THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 



549 



Hernia. 



The dislocation and protrusion of the whole or a part of an internal organ from its 

 normal position is called hernia. This may occur in various parts of the body, but 

 most frequently involves the abdominal viscera, especially the intestine or omentum. 

 lu the most common form of the so-called inguinal hernia, which is of frequent occur- 



FIG. 323. INGUINAL HERNIA INTESTINAL. 



FIG. 324. INGUINAL HERNIA OMKNTAL. 



rence in men, there is a descent into the inguinal canal of either a loop of intestine (Fig. 

 323) or a portion of the omentum (Fig. 324). For a description of the various forma 

 of hernia we refer to works on surgery. 



Dilatation of the Colon. 



This may be congenital or acquired and is sometimes excessive. 1 



'See Fits, Am. Jour. Med. Sciences, vol. cxviii., p. 125, 1899, bibliography; also 

 Griffith, Trans. Assn. Am. Phys., vol. xiv., p. 1, 1899. 



