THE STOMACH. 



729 



which constitutes the process of chymirlcation. It is situated in the left hypo- 

 chondriac, the epigastric, and part of the right hypochondriac regions. Its 

 form is irregularly conical, curved upon itself, and presenting a rounded base, 

 turned to the left side. It is placed immediately behind the anterior wall of 

 the abdomen, above the transverse colon, below the liver and the Diaphragm. 

 Its size varies considerably in different subjects, and also according to its state 

 of distension. When moderately full, its transverse diameter is about twelve 

 inches, its vertical diameter about four. Its weight, according to Clendenning, 

 is about four ounces and a half. It presents for examination two extremities, 

 two orifices, two borders, and two surfaces. 



Its left extremity is called the greater, or splenic end. This is the largest part 

 of the stomach, and extends- two or three inches to the left of the point of 

 entrance of the oesophagus. This expanded part is called tha great cul-de-sac, 

 ov fundus. It lies beneath the ribs, in contact with the spleen, to which it is 

 connected by the gastro-splenic omentum. 



Fig. 398. The Mucous Membrane of the Stomach and Duodenum with the Bile Ducts. 



fyttie duet 



The lesser, or pyloric end, is much smaller than the fundus, and situated on a 

 plane anterior and inferior to it. It lies in contact with the wall of the abdo- 

 men, the under surface of the liver, and the neck of the gall-bladder. 



The (Ksophageal or cnrdiac orifice communicates with the oesophagus : it is the 

 highest part of the stomach, and somewhat funnel-shaped. 



The pyloric orifice communicates with the duodenum, the aperture being 

 guarded by a kind of valve the pylorus. 



The lesser curvature extends between the oasophageal and pyloric orifices, 

 along the upper border of the organ, and is connected to the under surface of 

 the liver by the lesser omentum. 



The greater curvature extends between the same points, along the lower border, 



