quite meaningless when applied to a space.

Dr. Garrett says, on page 12 of the book quoted before, that "The upper
portion of the larynx above the false vocal cords is termed the
glottis." He might as well say, "The upper portion of the face above the
nose is termed the mouth." I really should not notice so astounding a
statement were it not made by one signing himself an M.D., and published
by so eminent a firm of Medical publishers as Messrs. J. and A.
Churchill.

[Illustration: PLATE X.

A. GLOTTIS IN REPOSE.

B. GLOTTIS IN RESPIRATION.

C. GLOTTIS IN THE PRODUCTION OF SOUND.

A. 1, 2. VOCAL LIGAMENTS.

3, 4. SECTION OF THE PYRAMIDS.

5. ELASTIC BAND.

6, 7. LEVERS OF THE PYRAMIDS.
]

On plate XI you see all parts in a state of rest. To the levers of the
pyramids (pl. XI, 1, 2) a pair of muscles is attached, the bases of
which are fixed upon the back of the ring cartilage below (pl. XI, 3, 6,
3). The action of these "Back Ring-Pyramid Muscles" (pl. XI, 4, 1 and 5,
2) is to contract as soon as we take breath, thereby drawing together
the pyramids _behind_ and separating them _in front_, at the same time
stretching the elastic band behind (pl. X, A, 5). By this movement the
chink of the glottis is thrown _wide open_ into the shape depicted on
pl. X, B. During expiration these relax, the elastic band contracts, and
the vocal chink resumes the shape as on pl. XI. These movements go on
from the beginning of our lives to the end, whether we are asleep or
awake, with more or less vigour, according as we take a slight or a deep
inspiration. The back ring-pyramid muscles (pl. XI, 4, 1 and 5, 2), have
consequently the all-important function of keeping open the gate through
which the air we breathe enters the lungs. They have, therefore, been
poetically called the "Guardians of the Portal of Life." By their action
of pulling the pyramids backwards, they also assist the ring-shield
muscles (pl. VIII, 1, 2) in stretching the vocal ligaments.

* * * * *

In opposition to these "Opening Muscles" there is another pair rising
from the side borders of the ring (pl. XI, 3, 3) which are fastened to
the front part of the levers of the pyramids (pl. XI, 1, 2), serving to
draw together their front projections to which the vocal ligaments are
attached, and which are thereby brought parallel with each other.

[Illustration: PLATE XI.

VIEW OF A SECTION OF THE VOICEBOX, OR LARYNX, FROM ABOV