32 POSITION OF THE STOMACH. 



is at a small distance from its largest extremity, and is called 

 Cardia. The orifice which communicates with the intestines 

 is at the termination of its small incurvated extremity, and is 

 called the Pylorus. 



The two ends of the stomach being thus very different in 

 size, are denominated the great and small extremities. The 

 two curved portions of the surface are also called the great or 

 superior and small or inferior curvatures. The two flat portions 

 of the surface or the broadsides, are called the anterior and 

 posterior surfaces. 



The situation of the stomach in the abdomen is nearly trans- 

 verse: it lies principally in the left hypochondriac and epigas- 

 tric regions, immediately below the liver. The great extremity 



Fig. 135.* 



* A vertical and longitudinal section of the stomach and duodenum, made in 

 such a direction as to include the two orifices of the stomach. 1. The oesopha- 

 gus ; upon its internal surface the plicated arrangement of the cuticular 

 epithelium is shown. 2. The cardiac orifice of the stomach, around which the 

 fringed border of the cuticular epithelium is seen. 3. The great end of the 

 stomach. 4. Its lesser or pyloric end. 5. The lesser curve. 6. The greater 

 curve. 7. The dilatation at the lesser end of the stomach which received from 

 Willis the name of antrum of the pylorus. This may be regarded as the rudi- 

 ment of a second stomach. 8. The rugae of the stomach formed by the mucous 

 membrane : their longitudinal direction is shown. 9. The Pylorus. 10. The 

 oblique portion of the duodenum. 11. The descending portion. 12. The pan- 

 creatic duct, and the ductus communis choledochus close to their termination. 

 13. The papilla upon which the ducts open. 14. The transverse portion of the 

 duodenum. 15. The commencement of the jejunum. 16. In the interior of 

 the duodenum and jejunum, the valvulae conniventes are seen. 



