1 68 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR NURSES 



The small intestine is beset with numerous small glands, 

 called Payer's glands or patches; they are most numerous 

 in the lower two-thirds of the ileum. These patches are 

 liable to become ulcerated in chronic dysentery, and are the 

 seat of the ulceration of the intestine that occurs in typhoid 

 or enteric fever; in fact, this is the supposed location and 

 seat of the disease. 



The Large Intestine. The cecum (cul-de-sac), or 

 blind pouch, as it is sometimes called, is the commence- 

 ment of the large intestine. It is closed at the end, and 

 has projecting from its junction with the ileum a slender, 

 worm-like appendage, called the "appendix vermiformis." 



FlG. 85. Portion of the wall of the small intestine, laid open to show the 

 valvulae conniventes (Brinton). 



This structure is situated in the right iliac region, and is 

 about three or four finger-breadths in length. The cecum, 

 like the other portions of the intestine, has a pouch-like 

 arrangement, caused by the peculiar position of the fibers 

 of its muscular coat. 



The appendix vermiformis is a narrow, blind, worm- 

 like tube, from 3 to 6 inches long, springing from the 

 lower and back part of the cecum and held in a variable 

 position by a peritoneal fold. Its function as yet has not 

 been determined. It is susceptible to extensive inflam- 

 mation, resulting in many instances in suppuration, which 

 requires immediate surgical intervention for the safety of 

 the individual. 



