The section passes through the internal canthi. _L.a._, Lingual
arteries. The arrow indicates the communication between the
maxillary and palatine sinuses.
]
The =soft palate= is somewhat shorter than that of the horse, but is
long enough to close the isthmus of the fauces. The posterior pillars do
not extend to the entrance of the œsophagus. The azygos muscle is much
better developed than in the horse. The fibrous aponeurosis is for the
most part replaced by muscular tissue.
The =isthmus faucium= is wide and dilatable. On either side, behind the
anterior pillar of the soft palate, is a deep depression, the =sinus
tonsillaris=; external to this is the compact bean-shaped tonsil, which
is about one to one and a half inches (ca. 3 to 4 cm.) in length. The
tonsil does not project into the fauces, but outward instead: hence it
does not occupy the tonsillar sinus, and is not visible internally, as
is the case in most animals.
[Illustration: