THE ABDOMEN. 



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spinal column. The epigastric surface of this region is triangular, placed between 

 the costal arches and horizontal line below. The transverse colon corresponds 

 to this horizontal line. Somewhat higher, opposite the ninth rib. is the greater 

 curvature of the stomach in moderate distention. In the middle of the epigas- 

 trium farthest above is a depression called the gastric or cardiac fossa (scrobiculus 

 cordis) ; corresponding to this place is the liver and pyloric end of stomach. 



The hypochondriac regions include the spaces between the diaphragm supe- 

 riorly, posteriorly, and externally, the costal cartilages internally, and the hori- 

 zontal plane below. The right one is filled by the liver. The left one contains 

 the spleen, the splenic flexure of the colon, the greater part of the stomach, and 

 after distention of the stomach a large part of the great omentum. 



FIG. 579. Regions of the abdominal cavity. Posterior view. (Joessel.) 



The mesogastric zone is bounded above by the epigastric zone and below by 

 the horizontal plane passing through the anterior superior spines of the ilia. 

 Laterally and behind are the crests of the ilia. In the umbilical region lie the 

 great omentum. the loops of small intestine, and their mesentery. In the lumbar 

 nt, which extend from the perpendicular lines drawn through the ileo-pec- 

 tineal eminences around to the vertebral column, are also small intestines, the 

 kidneys, the ascending and descending colons. 



The hypogastric zone is bounded above by the mesogastric and below by the 

 brim of the true pelvis. The pubic region in the centre contains the bladder, the 

 right iliac, the caecum, and the left iliac, a part of the sigmoid flexure. 



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