310 DISSECTION OF THE RABBIT 



papillffl, which are especially numerous at and 

 under the tip. 



At the sides of the tongue, opposite the last 



.molar teeth, are a pair of oval patches, the 



papillae foliatae, the surfaces of which are crossed 



obliquely by close-set parallel ridges, in which are 



imbedded numerous taste-bulbs. 



About a quarter of an inch above and behind 

 the papilla foliate are a pair of circumvallate 

 papillae, which are small and white, and sur- 

 rounded by circular grooves. 

 b. The lower teeth, already described with the skeleton 

 (p. 293), are placed opposite the corresponding 

 teeth of the upper jaw, and bite against them. 



8. The sides of the mouth are smooth and soft, with the 

 exception of a hairy patch on each side, between the 

 incisor and molar teeth. 



4. The pharynx is a continuation backwards of the buccal 



cavity, beyond the margin of the soft palate. The 

 mouth and the posterior narial chamber open into 

 it in front ; posteriorly it is continued back into the 

 oesophagus ; and ventrally it communicates through 

 the glottis and trachea with the lungs. 



To expose the pharynx, extend the cut backwards about an 

 inch beyond the tongue. 



a. The glottis is a large opening in the floor of the 



pharynx, a short way behind the tongue, leading 

 into the trachea, or windpipe. 



b. The epiglottis is a thin, bilobed, cartilaginous flap, 



forming the anterior boundary of the glottis, and 

 projecting into the pharynx behind the tongue, 

 opposite the free edge of the soft palate. During 

 the act of swallowing it folds back over the glottis, 

 and closes its entrance. 



5. The posterior nasal chamber lies above the soft palate, 



which separates it from the buccal cavity. 



