MOVEMENTS OP THE ALIMENTARY CANAL. DEGLUTITION. 405 



contracted, so as to reduce the organ to its smallest dimensions. When food is 

 introduced, the contraction of the parietes as a whole still continues to such a 

 degree as to make them closely apply themselves to its surface ; but the contrac- 

 tion of the individual fasciculi alternates with relaxation, in such a manner as 



Fig. 118. 



A front view of the Stomach, distended hy flatus, with the Peritoneal Coat turned off; 1, anterior face of the 

 oesophagus ; 2, the cul-de-sac, or greater extremity ; 3, the lesser or pyloric extremity ; 4, the duodenum ; 5, 5, 

 a portion of the peritoneal coat turned back ; 6, a portion of the longitudinal fibres of the muscular coat ; 7, 

 the circular fibres of the muscular coat ; 8, the oblique muscular fibres, or muscle of Gavard ; 9, a portion of 

 the muscular coat of the duodenum, where its peritoneal coat has been removed. 



to induce a great variety of motions in this organ, sometimes transversely, and 

 at other times longitudinally. " These motions/' remarks Dr. Beaumont, who 



Fig. 119. 



A view of the interior of the Stomach, as given by the removal of its anterior parietes ; 1, oesophagus ; 2, 

 cardiac orifice of the stomach ; 3, its greater extremity, or cul-de-sac ; 4, the greater curvature ; 5, line of the 

 attachment of the omentum majus ; 6, the muscular coat ; 7, the anterior cut edge of the mucous coat; 8, the 

 rugas of the mucous coat; 9, the lesser curvature ; 10, the beginning of the duodenum; 11, pyloric orifice, 

 or valve ; 12, the first turn of the duodenum downwards. 



has enjoyed a peculiar opportunity of observing them, 1 "not only produce a 

 constant disturbance or churning of the contents of the stomach, but they 



1 See the " Case of Alexis St. Martin, with Observations and Experiments by Dr. Beau- 

 mont," republished in this country by Dr. Andrew Combe. This patient had a large fistu- 

 lous orifice in his stomach, remaining after a wound which had laid open the cavity ; but 

 his general health had been completely restored. 



