492 



THE TISSUES. 



cally, as a variety of sweat-glands. Fig. 329 represents their va- 

 rious forms and relations to the hair-sacs. They exist only in the 



Fig. 329. 



Cutaneous glandulse of external meatus auditorius. A. Section of the corium : 2, 2, hairs ; 3, 3, 

 superficial sebaceous glands ; 1, 1, larger and deeper-seated glands, by which the cerumen is secreted. 

 B. A hair perforating the epidermis at 3: 1, 1, sebaceous glands, with their excretory ducts (2, 2) ; 

 4, base of the hair in its double follicle (5, 6). C. Cerumen-gland formed by the contorted tube (1, 1) 

 of the excretory duct (2) ; 4, vascular trunk and ramifications. The last two figures highly magni- 

 fied ; the first, 3 diameters. 



cartilaginous portion of the external auditory meatus ; being situ- 

 ated between the lining membrane of the passage and the cartilage, 

 or the fibrous substance supplying its place, in a tough subcuta- 

 neous tissue containing but little fat. 



The properties and uses of the cerumen have already been spe- 

 cified (p. 228) ; it being associated physiologically with the seba- 

 ceous secretion. 



Functions of the Skin. 

 The skin fulfils a variety of functions. 



1. Of protection, as the common tegument of the body. 



2. As an absorbing organ. Gases are rapidly absorbed, and cer- 

 tain solid and fluid substances (p. 230). Even nutritious fluids are 

 absorbed by the skin, as proved by the effects of nutritious baths. 

 Here the fluid probably enters to the stratum Malpighii mainly 

 through the sweat-ducts (p. 482). 



