THE SPLEEN IN MARSUPIALS. 



may see the human foetal spleen with the remaining lieno- 

 mesocolic (renal) fold and the anterior part of the gastro- 

 splenic omentum extending to the extremities of the 

 anterior and posterior processes, and practically shutting 

 oft' the lower surface which is related to colon only. This 

 is associated with a greater amount of mobility than is 

 present in the human adult spleen. 



It is worthy of note that broadening of the base of the 

 mesentery, i.e. fixation of the proximal colon, begins from 

 the mesial fold also, spreading from above downwards. 

 Similarly, further fixation of the distal (descending) 

 colon spreads downwards from the splenic fixation or 

 flexure. The supporting phrenico-colic fold and the sus- 

 pending lieno-phrenic, also lateral processes from the 

 spleen to the abdominal wall, are adaptive physiological 

 membranes freelv modified to meet local conditions. 



15< 



