CHAP. 66.—THE TONSILS; THE UVA; THE EPIGLOSSIS; THE ARTERY; THE GULLET.

In man there are tonsils at the root of the tongue; these in swine are called the glandules. The uvula,[1] which is suspended between them at the extremity of the palate, is found only in man. Beneath this lies a smaller tongue, known by the name of "epiglossis,"[2] but it is wanting in animals that are oviparous. Placed as it is between two passages, the functions of the epiglottis are of a twofold nature. The one of these passages that lies more inward is called the [tracheal] artery, and leads to the lungs and the heart: the epiglottis covers it during the action of eating, that the drink or food may not go the wrong way, and so be productive of suffering, as it is by this passage that the breath and the voice are conveyed. The other or exterior passage is called the "gula,"[3] and it is by this passage that the victuals and drink pass: this leads to the belly, while the former one communicates with the chest.[4] The epiglottis covers the pharynx, in its turn, when only the breath or the voice is passing, in order that the victuals may not inopportunely pass upwards, and so disturb the breathing or articulation. The tracheal artery is composed of cartilage and flesh, while the gullet is formed of a sinewy substance united with flesh.

1. " Uva, " or "grape."

2. More generally " epiglottis." It is found in some few reptiles. This passage is omitted by Sillig.

3. Gullet, or pharynx.

4. Stomachum.