lubricators; in the ear passages, to produce the _cerumen_, or wax,
which prevents the intrusion of small insects; and in the scalp, to
supply the hair with its natural pomatum.

[Illustration: Fig. 48.
A perspiratory gland, highly
magnified. 1, 1. The gland. 2, 2.
Excretory ducts uniting to form
a tube which tortuously perforates
the cuticle at 3, and opens
obliquely on its surface at 4.]

[Illustration: Fig. 49.
A representation of oil-tubes from the scalp
and nose.]

[Illustration: Fig. 50.
Anatomy of the skin. 5, 5. Cutis vera (true skin).
4, 4. Nervous tissue. 3, 3. Sensitive layer in which are
seen the nerves. 2, 2. The layer containing pigment
cells. 1, 1. Epidermis (cuticle).]

The _Epidermis_, or _Cuticle_, so called because it is _placed upon the
skin,_ is the outer layer of the skin. Since it is entirely destitute of
nerves and blood-vessels, it is not sensitive. Like the cutis vera, it
has two surfaces composed of layers. The internal, or _Rete Mucosum,_
which is made up chiefly of pigment cells, is adapted to the
irregularities of the cutis vera, and sends prolongations into all its
glandular follicles. The external surface, or epidermis proper, is
elastic, destitute of coloring matter, and consists of mere horny