5*76 THE LIVER. 



Function. To act as a reservoir for the ftecal matter, 

 seems to be the principal use of the large intestine. But 

 that it also possesses the power of absorption is proved by 

 the fact of patients being sustained for weeks solely by in- 

 jections of nutritious fluids into the rectum. 



ASSISTANT ORGANS OF DIGESTION, OR COLLATITIOUS VISCERA. 



The Liver, (hepar.) The liver is justly regarded as one 

 of the most important organs in the body, on account of 

 FIG. 187. the very extensive 



influence it exerts, 

 both in health and 

 disease. 



It is situated, as 

 already stated, in 

 the right hypo- 

 chondriac, extend- 

 ing across the an- 

 terior and upper 

 portion of the epi- 

 gastric, and occupying a portion also of the left hypochon- 

 driac region. Thus placed, it is of course below the dia- 

 phragm, to which it is attached by reflections of the peri- 

 toneum, termed ligaments. 



These ligaments are five in number. The falciform or 

 suspensory extends from the umbilicus, obliquely upward 

 along the linea alba and the right side, to the diaphragm 



FIG. 187 represents the inferior surface of the Liver, a Right lobe. 6 Left 

 lobe, c Anterior thin margin, d Posterior thick margin, e Right extremity. 

 j Left extremity, g Notch on anterior margin, h Longitudinal or umbilical 

 fissure, i Round ligament, j Portion of suspensory ligament, k Pons or 

 bridge across umbilical fissure. I Posterior extremity of longitudinal fissure. 

 m n Where ductus venosus joins the inferior vena cava. o Transverse fissure. 

 p Section of hepatic duct, q Hepatic artery, r Branches of latter, s Vena 

 portarum. t Division into right and left sinus vena portarum. u Remains of 

 ductus venosus. v Gall-bladder, w Its neck, x Lobulus quartus. y Lobu- 

 lus spigelii. z Lobulus caudatus. a a Inferior vena-cava. 6 6 Curve of liver. 

 c c Depression for right kidney, d d Surface over renal capsule, e e Portion 

 of liver uncovered by peritoneum. //Coronary ligament, gg Depression 

 for the vertical column. 



