Elementary Anatomy of a Hound 45 



and ends with the anus, but some modifying state- 

 ments are requisite in order to guard against error 

 in estimating the subordinate functions performed 

 by certain portions of the alimentary canal. Pre- 

 paration, disintegration, assimilation and expulsion 

 are the functions performed by the alimentary 

 apparatus. All nutritious materials from food, 

 etc., must be extracted, and the waste or useless 

 products cast out of the economy, chiefly by the 

 bowels, so far as solids are concerned. 



The mouth, teeth, gullet, stomach, intestine, 

 liver, pancreas and salivary glands are all concerned 

 with digestive functions. The incisor and canine 

 teeth are used for prehending and tearing the food, 

 whilst the molars are for reducing it to the condition 

 of being swallowed. 



The food is moistened in the mouth by the saliva, 

 though the action of this in dogs is only momentary, 

 knowing how quickly these animals swallow their 

 food. There are three principal salivary glands on 

 each half of the head, viz., the parotid, which lies 

 just beneath the ear at the back of the upper jaw; 

 the submaxillary gland, beneath the lower jaw; and 

 the sublingual salivary gland, lying beneath the 

 tongue. 



The tongue is composed of muscle and its surface 

 studded with papillae. It is maintained in position 

 chiefly by means of the hyoid bone. 



