OF THE ABDOMEN. 9 



region to the right side of the spine, and is placed behind the 

 stomach, so as to be covered by it. 



8. The Kidneys and the Capsulae Renales, two in, number 

 each, are placed in the posterior part of the lumbar region on 

 the side of the spine. 



9. The Urinary Bladder and the Rectum, in the male, occupy 

 the cavity of the pelvis, and in the female between them are 

 placed the uterus, the ovaries, and the vagina. 



As, in the dissection of the abdominal viscera, the subject is 

 commonly placed on its back, so the preceding description is 

 made out with a strict reference to that position. Some modi- 

 fication in the shape of the abdomen, as well as in the situation 

 of its contents, occurs in standing upright. The front of the ab- 

 domen becomes more protuberant, the lumbar vertebras make 

 a greater projection forwards. The pelvis is so adjusted, in 

 order to bring the acetabula directly in the line of support to 

 the spine, that the convexity of the sacrum presents almost up- 

 wards, and the superior straight looks forwards and upwards 

 towards the navel, so that much of the weight of the viscera is 

 thrown upon the pubes. In this attitude most of the viscera 

 descend, but more obviously the liver, from its weight, size, and 

 solidity. Portal has verified this descent by comparing the 

 thrusts of poniards into the liver in the erect, with those inflict- 

 ed in the horizontal position. He also asserts that the same 

 may be ascertained in the living body by applying the fingers 

 under the false ribs, and then directing the person to change 

 from the recumbent into the vertical position. The spleen af- 

 fords the same results when it is slightly enlarged, and the de- 

 scent of the liver and spleen will of^ course ensure that of the 

 stomach and intestines. According to Winslow, the pain and 

 faintness which are felt after a long abstinence, come from the 

 vacuity of the stomach and intestines, which thereby withdraw 

 their support from the liver, and permit it to drag upon the 

 diaphragm. 



The presence of flatus in the stomach and intestinal canal, 

 seems to be entirely natural to them; for it is comparatively 

 rare to find them destitute of it, even when they contain no 



