INTEAPEEITONEAL SUPPUEATION. 383 



with lymphatics by means of stomata is so free as was at one 

 time supposed. Unfortunately it matters little whether the 

 toxic absorption is due to the agency of lymphatics or the blood 

 vessels with which the membrane is freely supplied. 



The nervous connexions of the peritoneum are important. It 

 receives branches from the lower seven intercostal trunks through 

 the great abdominal plexuses of the sympathetic. The same 

 nerves innervate the abdominal muscles and lower intercostals. 

 The movements of these muscles are therefore restricted in 

 peritonitis, as also is that of the diaphragm. 



The visceral layer of the peritoneum appears unable to trans- 

 mit painful sensations, but the parietal layer is extremely sensi- 

 tive. The pain of peritonitis is due to implication of the parietal 

 peritoneum, and is as a rule deep seated and not referred to 

 cutaneous areas. 



INTRAPERITONEAL SUPPURATION. 



(Fig. 50, p. 384.) 



For the consideration of localised abscesses and the tracks 

 followed by purulent collections within the peritoneum, it is 

 convenient to divide the peritoneal cavity into certain regions. 



1. The Subdiaphragmatic or Supramesocolic Eegion, which is 

 included between the transverse mesocolon below and the dia- 

 phragm above. This space may further be subdivided into a 

 part below the right wing of the diaphragm, a part below the 

 left wing, and a part below the right lobe of the liver in the 

 region of the right kidney. 



2. The Lumbar Eegions, situated laterally, and containing the 

 ascending and descending portions of the colon. These regions 

 are effectually separated by the prominence of the lumbar spine. 



3. The Submesocolic Kegion, between the transverse meso- 

 colon above and the mesentery of the small intestine below. 

 This region is continuous laterally with the right lumbar region, 

 of which it is virtually a part. 



4. The Submesenteric Eegion, intervening between the mes- 

 entery and the true pelvis. It bears the same relation to the 



