The form and thickness of the lips differ much in the several varieties of the human species. In the negro they are notoriously thick and prominent, while in most Europeans they are comparatively thin, and project but little. These constitute the two extremes with respect to the lips ; and their varieties in the natives of other regions, consist chiefly of shades of difference in point of thickness and prominence.
The vehtin pendulum palati, or hanging palate (Plate 'VIII. Fig. 8.) extends from the posterior margin of the palatine arch, backwards and downwards as far as the opening from the mouth into the gullet, and the root of the tongue. It is nearly of a quadrilateral form ; is con cave next the cavity of the mouth, and has a longitudinal prominence in the mesial line, which divides it into two equal and similar halves. On each side there is a dense fold, partly membranous, and partly muscular. These folds are sometimes called the pillarc of the soft palate ; they are united next the palatine arch, and separate from each other as they proceed towards tire gullet, each of them becoming thicker as it descends, and forming a triangular space, n hit 11 contains a particular gland called round or almond. Thus there are formed two double arches called the arches e/'thr s'gt palate. At the lower part of the mesial promint ince, between the two tonsils. is that part called by anatomists the uvula, and in com mon language the pap Qf the throat, hanging immediate ly over the root of the tongue. The uvula is of a coni cal form, with its base towards the palatine arch, and ending below in a blunt round point. it is this part which, in some inflammatory affections of tire throat, is so much swollen, or, as it is called relaxed, as to touch the tongue, and produce drat disagreeable symptom cal led the falling of the palate or pap. This body to be of a glandular texture. The substance of the soft palate is also composed of three layers ; one MUCOUS, derived from the general mucous membrane of the mouth, investing the palate through its 1,0101C surface, and containing, within its folds numerous glands, which compose a distinct and very thick layer between the um colts membrane and tire muscles, thus forming the se cond layer of the soft palate ; the third being composed of fibres from all the muscles engaged in tire motions of this organ.
The tonsils, or what arc ulgarly called the almonds of the ears, are two glandular bodies of an oblong, round ish form, largest at their inferior extremity. They arc composed of several lobes, which arc sometimes closely united, at others distinctly separated from each other. The whole mass is of a soft, pulpy texture, and of a grayish colour. The appearance of their outer surface differs according as we examine it on its convex or flat tened pant. On the former surface there are several small openings, which lead to cellular cavities formerl within the substance of the gland, and often communica ting with each other. These cells secrete a peculiar fluid, the nature of which is not well understood. This fluid is pressed out by the action of the neighbouring muscles during mastication and deglutition. It is the swelling and inflammation of these glands that forms one of the most distressing symptoms of inflammatory sore throat, called from this circumstance cynanc/le ton,silla ris. In these cases, tire tonsils may be felt in their en larged state below the ears, whence, we suppose, has originated, their vulgar name. For a view of these parts see plate XV11I. Fig. 8, and its explanation at the end of the preceding chapter.
The soft palate, with its appendages, forms a sort of curtain between the mouth and the opening of the gullet ; it assists in deglutition, and probably in the articulation of the voice.
The checks, which form the lateral boundaries of the mouth, are generally of considerable thickness, and, like the lips, are composed of a Payer from the skin, another chiefly from the buccinator and zygomatic muscles, and a third from the mucous membrane of the mouth. Be tween the muscular layer and the skin there is a great deal of cellular substance, containing, in many cases, a considerable quantity of fat, which forms tile plumpness of the cheeks, and by the absorption of which, in certain diseases and states of the system, is produced that lank ness which is often so remarkable.