HOMRAI OF THE HIMALAYA. 



187 



On its superior surface, and towards its base, several small cartila- 

 ginous processes are seen with their points directed towards the throat. 

 Its edges, on tliis part, are also barbed by similar structures. 



There are no papillae observable on its surface, nor can it be consider- 

 ed an organ of taste, since it is so firmly connected to the sheath of the 

 lower mandible, as to admit of little or no elongation even with the aid of 

 considerable force, which I applied very shortly after the bird was shot. 



The tongue terminates by a strong fleshy attachment to the os 

 hyoides, and is further connected to this bone, by a process of cartilage 

 which arises from the body, or centre portion, of the latter, and becomes 

 embedded in the muscular structure of the organ to about half its length. 



The OS hyoides consists of five distinct bony portions ; viz. The 

 body or centre portion, and two pairs of cornua. The first pair of the latter 

 are attached to either side of the body ; at the ends of these commence 

 the second pair, the two being joined together by synchondrosis. Their 

 united length on either side is three inches. The second pair terminate 

 by two round cartilaginous ligaments, which measure f of an inch in 

 length. 



Besides the cartilaginous process which arises from the body of the 

 OS hyoides, and gives attachment to the tongue, there is a similar one 

 which proceeds from its inferior edge, which is loosely bound to the poste- 

 rior surface of the trachtca by bands of ligamentous structure. 



The superior larynx is formed anteriorly and lattcrally of bone, its 

 posterior part being completed by membrane. 



