Chap, xvii.] THE SPLEEN. 323 



is protected by the stomach and lungs to a considerable 

 extent. When the spleen, however, is enlarged, it is 

 very readily ruptured, and often by quite insignificant 

 violence. Thus, several cases have been recorded of 

 rupture of an enlarged spleen by muscular violence. 

 For instance, a woman ruptured her spleen in an 



Fig. 34. Horizontal Section through Upper part of Abdomen 

 (Riidmger). 



a, Liver ; 6, stomach ; c, transverse colon ; d, spleen ; e, kidneys ; /, pancreas ; 

 g, inferior vena cava ; fe, aorta with thoracic duct behind it. 



attempt to save herself from falling, and another in 

 springing aside to avoid a blow. The patients in each 

 instance were natives of India, and the latter case 

 gave rise to a charge of homicide. The spleen being ex- 

 tremely vascular, it follows that ruptures of the viscus 

 are usually, but not necessarily, fatal from haemorrhage. 

 It is well to note, in connection with this matter, that 

 the spleen contains most blood during digestion. A 

 case is reported, however, of a boy, who met with an 

 accident just after dinner, and who managed to walk 



