Книга только для ознакомления
. But in
quadrupeds the breast is narrow, owing to the legs having to be
extended in a forward direction in progression and locomotion.
Owing to this narrowness the mammae of quadrupeds are never placed
on the breast. But in the human body there is ample space in this
part; moreover, the heart and neighbouring organs require
protection, and for these reasons this part is fleshy and the mammae
are placed upon it separately, side by side, being themselves of a
fleshy substance in the male and therefore of use in the way just
stated; while in the female, nature, in accordance with what we say is
her frequent practice, makes them minister to an additional
function, employing them as a store-place of nutriment for the
offspring. The human mammae are two in number, in accordance with
the division of the body into two halves, a right and a left. They are
somewhat firmer than they would otherwise be, because the ribs in this
region are joined together; while they form two separate masses,
because their presence is in no wise burdensome. In other animals than
man, it is impossible for the mammae to be placed on the breast
between the forelegs, for they would interfere with locomotion; they
are therefore disposed of otherwise, and in a variety of ways. Thus in
such animals as produce but few at a birth, whether horned
quadrupeds or those with solid hoofs, the mammae are placed in the
region of the thighs, and are two in number, while in such as
produce litters, or such as are polydactylous, the dugs are either
numerous and placed laterally on the belly, as in swine and dogs, or
are only two in number, being set, however, in the centre of the
abdomen, as is the case in the lion
|
