108 THE SPLEEN. 



subjects from eleven pounds to one ounce. It is supposed, by 

 many physiologists, that it frequently varies in size in the same 

 individual. 



It is situated in the left hypochondriac region, in contact 

 whh the diaphragm, below the eighth rib. The position of 

 the spleen is somewhat oblique, — one extremity being directed 

 downwards and rather forwards, and the other upwards and 

 backwards ; but when the stomach is distended, the lower 

 end of it is pushed forward by the great extremity of that 

 viscus. 



In general it is so deeply seated in the left hypochondriac 

 region, that it is out of view when the subject is opened in the 

 ordinary way : but in some cases of enlargement, after the inter- 

 mitting fever, it has extended downwards, nearly as low as the 

 pelvis ; and towards the right side beyond the umbilicus. 



The external surface of the spleen is convex, in conformity to 

 the surface of the diaphragm, with which it is in contact. The 

 internal surface of the spleen is irregularly concave, having a 

 longitudinal fissure which divides it into two portions. 



The spleen is invested by the peritoneum, one process of 

 which is often extended from the diaphragm, above and behind 

 it, in the form of ligament. Another process of the same mem- 

 brane is extended to it from the great extremity of the stomach. 

 The peritoneum is also continued from the spleen in the form of 

 omentum, (gasti-o-splenic.) 



Within this peritoneal covering is the proper coat of the 

 spleen, which is so closely connected to it, that many anatomists 

 have considered them as one membrane : they are, however, 

 very distinct at the great fissure, but the external coat is ex- 

 tremely thin. 



The proper coat of the spleen is not very thick ; it is dense 

 and firm, and somewhat elastic, but not much so. It is partly 

 transparent. 



The spleen has a large artery, which is one of the three 

 great branches of the coeliac. This vessel runs in an undulat- 

 ing manner in a groove in the upper edge of the pancreas, and 

 in this course sends off many small branches to supply that 



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