Ethereal - Ethereal Anatomy and Physiology: Note: The canonicity of this section has been questioned due to conflict with other sources.The following information was gleaned from a dissection report conducted by Magos Biologis Sharle Darvus:Subject: Tau tau, T'au "Ethereal".Age: 61 Tau'cyrs (Approx. 49 Terran years)Initial Impressions: Subject is deceased female adult Tau tau. Cause of death is asphyxia following cyanide intake. NB: Specimen was poisoned during sleep, without obvious distress. Annotated observations to follow [see attached Arco-stylus diagram (to right)].a. Head. Endoskeletal "skull" reveals age-knitted growth plates: close analogy to Human cranium. Cavity contains spongy cerebrum encased in fluidic membrane. "Hair" analogue is protein-fibre extruded from dermis (speculation: hormonally triggered?).b. Olfactory Chasm. Evidence of densely-massed subdermal receptor neurons; unexpected size and complexity of cilia. Conclusion: subject's scent-detection vastly superior to Humanity. NB: Ethereal Caste displays unknown "diamond" organ.c. Occular organs. Lateral arrangement. (185 degree peripheral vision) and "mammalian" structure analogous with Human eye. Primitive photoreceptors suggest limited sensitivity of vision. Conclusion: subject relies upon advanced olfactory senses (and technology?) to reconcile poor eyesight by Human standards.d. Internal cavity. Endoskeletal cage of vertical ribs contains upper vital organs. Note size of single folded lung, evidence of vestigial secondary stomachs (cf. ruminants? - see g.) and quadravulvus pulmonary muscle [see k.]. Conclusion: efficiency and durability of internal organs comparable to our own (i.e. Humanity).e. Upper limbs. Three manipulatory digits plus opposable thumbs. Unblemished dermis suggests manual labour atypical.f. Clothing (majority removed). Complex woven fabric (material unknown); geometric patterns styled in copper filigree.g. Perambulatory limbs. Tertiary joints analogous to Terran artiodactyls (even-toed hoofed animals): suggests evolution from cloven-hoofed ruminant ancestor (Terran analogues include goats and sheep). Extreme vulnerability of padded elements incongruous with general robustness of subject. (Speculation: unusual periods or accelerated species development have not advanced growth of all organs at uniform rate).h. Skeletal cross-section. "Bones" comprise scaled fibrous strands with internal "comb" structure (speculation: less dense in Ethereal specimen than warrior caste). No marrow analogue in evidence: suggest platelet/immunological defences operate subdermally [see j.].i. Dermis. Uniform monotone (grey/blue) and hairless [see a.]. High concentration of porous nodules suggests efficient perspiration process (typical of arid-indigenous organism). Secondary stratum (above musculature) comprises complex tubular runnels, including capillaries and glandular nodules. Conclusion: immune system regulated by dispersed systemic layer, allowing immediate and efficient release of biochemical defences.j. Detail Inset: Quadravalvic heart. Atria are distinct from ventricles, and divided by complex filter-sheaths. Each segment surrounded by fatty deposits of high toxicity; regulated by capillary network feeding renal system. Speculation: Subject's heart doubles as a liver in Human physiology, delivering toxic impurities from circulatory and digestive systems alike, to be filtered and removed as waste.Skull Detail: Unknown "diamond-organ" in the forehead of the T'au Ethereal. Ridged carapace contains ultradense chemo/hormonal fluids (overpowering scent). Rear ganglia connects to cerebral lobe. Polyp-structures vaguely reminiscent of "pheromone" glands found amongst Terran invertebrates (cf. silk worm). (Speculation: Perhaps a pheromonal communication system? The sensitivity of T'au olfactory senses would certainly support a process of airborne biochemical "signifiers." Perhaps the Ethereal asserts a measure of control over lesser castes? Results are inconclusive, and the purpose of this organ remains unknown.)General Observation: Subject's anatomy suggests a highly developed species of analogous physical durability to Mankind. Physical structure, general organic processes and reproductive anatomy all show remarkable similarities. Is this evolutionary parallelism purely coincidental?