AND PHYSIOLOGY. 



157 



Fig. 167. 



Pendulous Palate. 



Bag* 



Vertical Section of the Mouth and Throat. 



from the mouth to the stomach, its lower limit being nearly 

 opposite to the Pomum Adami (Adam's apple) in front, and 

 the fifth cervical vertebra behind. It also communicates with 

 both ears, with the nostrils and lungs, by passages which open 

 directly into it. The communication between this cavity and 

 the mouth may be entirely cut oif by means of a" movable 

 muscular curtain called the soft or pendulous palate, which is 

 of great service in the act of swallowing. This portion of the 

 alimentary canal is made up of muscular fibers which run in 

 two directions, so as to cross each other at a large angle, in 

 order to give the most perfect compression upon the food as 

 it passes through it. And in its lining (mucous) membrane 

 are found a great number of follicles or sac-like bodies of 

 microscopic size called Pharyngeal Glands. 



293. Esophagus. — The Pharynx terminates in the Eso- 

 phagus (meaning the passage for conveying the food). This 



What cavities does it communicate with? What is said of its muscular coat? 293. 

 "What is the Esophagus ? 



