796 MAMMALIA. 



(2312.) The rest of the alimentary canal in most quadrupeds, like 

 that of Man, is divisible into the small and the large intestines, the 

 division between the two being marked by one or even two appendages, 

 called respectively the ccecum and the appendix vermiformis. 



(2313.) The small intestines require no particular description, as in 

 all minor circumstances, such as their proportionate length and diameter, 

 or in the number and arrangement of the valvulce conniventes, they do 

 not differ from the human. The large intestines, however, offer very 

 great variations of structure, and will therefore merit our more attentive 

 consideration ; we shall accordingly lay before the reader the following 

 resume of the principal facts connected with this subject, as given by the 

 indefatigable Cuvier *. 



(2314.) In Man, the Orang (Simia), and the Wombat (Phascolomys), 

 both caecum and vermiform appendage are met with. 



(2315.) In the other QUADRUMANA, the DIGITIGRADE CARNIVORA, the 

 MARSTJPIALIA, the BODENTTA, the PACHYDERMATA, the RUMINANTIA, the 

 SOLIPEDS, and the AMPHIBIOUS MAMMALS, there is a ca3cum without any 

 vermiform appendage. 



(2316.) Neither ccecum nor appendix vermiformis is found in the 

 EDENTATA, the PLANTIGRADE CARNIVORA, nor in the CETACEA. 



(2317.) Numerous exceptions, of course, occur to the above summary ; 

 but it would be useless to notice them in a survey so general as the 

 present. 



(2318.) Even where no caecum exists, the separation between the 

 large and small intestines is generally indicated by a valve (ilio-colic) 

 formed by the lining membrane of the bowel : this, for example, is the 

 case in the Sloths and Armadillos. 



(2319.) In all the Mammalia that possess a caecum, this organ ap- 

 pears to be a prolongation of the colon beyond the point at which the 

 small intestine enters its cavity. The ca3cum thus formed varies ma- 

 terially, both as relates to its size, shape, and structure : in animals 

 that live upon vegetables, and even in some that are omnivorous, it is 

 generally very large, gathered into sacculi, and often distinctly glandular ; 

 but in such as live upon flesh it is always small, and its cavity smooth, 

 resembling a small intestine. 



(2320.) The assistant chylopoietic viscera, namely, the liver, the 

 pancreas, and the spleen, are constructed upon the same principles as in 

 the human subject, and, except in a few minor circumstances, offer little 

 to arrest our particular notice. 



(2321.) The liver occupies the same position as in Man, being prin- 

 cipally situated in the right hypochondrium, where it is securely sus- 

 pended by broad folds of peritoneum connecting it to the abdominal 

 surface of the diaphragm and to the circumjacent parts. It is most 

 frequently, especially in the more active carnivorous families, divided by 

 * Le9ons d'Anat. Comp. iii. p. 465. 



