THE PHARYNX. 207 



be used, several times in the day, while any unpleasant smell is per- 

 ceived. To this will succeed the alum- wash, or an infusion of catechu. 



THE SUBLINGUAL GLANDS. 



The third source of the saliva is from numerous glands scattered 

 over the membrane of the mouth generally, but principally collected 

 at its base and under the tongue, and therefore called the suUingual 

 glands. They consist of small collections of glands, with minute 

 openings into the mouth, but which also a little enlarge, when there 

 is tendency to inflammation in the mouth. No harm can ever come 

 of these gigs and bladders, if let alone. On every part of the 

 cheeks and lips these little glands are found ; and the quantity of 

 saliva obtained from all of these, especially when they are excited to 

 action in mastication or rumination, is very great. 



THE VELUM PALATI, OR SOFT PALATE. 



Advancing to the back part of the mouth, we find a curtain di- 

 viding it from the pharynx, or ca\ity immediately above the gullet. 

 It is formed of a continuation of the membrane of the mouth ante- 

 riorly, of that of the nose posteiiorly, and it hangs from the cres- 

 cent-formed border of the palatine bone, p. 144. It reaches from 

 the palate almost to the entrance into the gullet and the windpipe. 

 The food is returned to the moutli in the natural process of rumina- 

 tion, and also in vomiting, whicli occurs very rarely indeed, or, at 

 least, regurgitation from the rumen, for we much doubt whether 

 true vomiting, or the return of food from the fourth stomach, was 

 ever seen in cattle. 



THE PHARYNX. 



The food having passed beneath this soft palate, reaches a funnel- 

 shaped cavity between the mouth and the gullet and windpipe. It 

 is lined by a membrane full of little glands, that pour out a viscid 

 fluid, by which the pellet of food is covered and prepared to pass 

 more readily down the gullet. Within this membrane are muscles 

 that contract with considerable force ; and the food, almost beyond 

 the action of the tongue, is seized by these muscles and forced along 

 the pharynx to the entrance into the CDSophagus or gullet. 



