54 THE CJECUM. 



curve generally carries it to the right side of the spine, and 

 then brings it back to the centre of the sacrum. Here the in- 

 testine changes its course, and passing into the pelvis, continues 

 downward, in contact with the sacrum and coccyx, and 

 partaking of the curvature of those bones, until it terminates at 

 the anus, where it is connected with the sphincter and levator 

 ani muscles. 



About two inches from the commencement of the great in- 

 testine, the ileum opens into it laterally ; and all that portion 

 which is between its commencement and the insertion of the 

 ileum is termed Cacum, or the blind intestine : that part of the 

 great tube, which is included in its circuitous course from the 

 insertion of the ileum to the posterior part of the brim of the 

 pelvis, is called Colon; and the remainder, or the part which is 

 contained in the pelvis, is termed Rectum. 



The Cacum is nearly as wide as it is long ; it is fixed in the 

 right iliac fossa by the peritoneum, which invests it so that the 

 great body of the intestine projects from the surface of the fossa 

 covered by the peritoneum ; but a portion is in close contact 

 with the surface, and connected to it by the cellular membrane. 

 Its external surface covered by the peritoneum, is marked by 

 two of the bands or stripes before mentioned, which proceed on 

 it lengthways. These bands are in full view, but the third 

 band is generally on that part of the intestine which rests on 

 the iliac fossa, and is therefore out of sight. At the rounded 

 extremity of the caecum, situated anteriorly and internally, is 

 a small process resembling an earth-worm in form and size : 

 this is therefore called, Appendicula Vermiforis. It is hollow, 

 and communicates with the cavity of the caecum, but has its 

 other extremity closed up. It is composed of the same number 

 of coats and has the same structure as the great intestine : its 

 length varies from two to four inches. 



After the stomach, the caecum may be considered the 

 largest portion of the intestinal canal. 



In the foetus its diameter appears to be nearly the same as 

 that of the adjoining part of the colon, and its subsequent 

 increase in diameter over that of the colon, appears to be 



