DISSECTION OF THE ABDOMEN. 321 



left extremity of the organ is much the larger, and is termed the 

 cardiac extremity, or the fundus. The smaller right end is termed 

 the pylorus. The stomach occupies the epigastric and left hypo- 

 chondriac regions, and it will be observed to have the following 

 connections. The anterior surface is related to both the liver and 

 the diaphragm, and in the natural position looks upwards as well as 

 forwards. The posterior face looks downwards as well as backwards, 

 and before the removal of the intestines was related to these, and 

 chiefly to the gastro-hepatic flexure of the double colon. The smaller 

 curvature is fixed to the liver by means of the gastro-hepatic omentum. 

 If, in the present inverted position of the animal, the greater curvature 

 be pulled backwards, so as to separate the anterior surface from the 

 liver and diaphragm, the oesophagus will be found entering the stomach 

 at its lesser curvature, about midway between the central point of 

 that curvature and the extremity of the fundus. The greater curvature 

 is related in its left half to the spleen, and throughout the rest of 

 its extent to the intestines, particularly to the suprasternal flexure of 

 the colon, now removed. The right extremity, or pylorus, is. directly 

 continued into the duodenum, a slight constriction being the only 

 outward mark of their separation. The left or cardiac extremity 

 extends to the left beyond the insertion of the oesophagus, and is related 

 to the pancreas and base of the spleen. The stomach is retained in 

 position by continuity with the oesophagus and duodenum, and by 

 certain folds of peritoneum, viz., the gastro-phrenic ligament, and the 

 gastro-hepatic, gastro-splenic, and gastro-colic omenta. The gastro- 

 phrenic ligament extends from the diaphragm to the stomach, around 

 the oesophageal insertion. The gastro-hepatic omentum passes between 

 the lesser curvature and the posterior fissure of the liver. The gastro- 

 splenic omentum passes from the cardiac extremity to the spleen. The 

 gastro-colic or great omentum is continuous with the preceding, and 

 passes in the form of a loose fold from the greater curvature. 

 It extends backwards and downwards, and then curves upwards to 

 the roof of the abdominal cavity. As has already been explained 

 (page 310), it separates the greater and lesser cavities of the perito- 

 neum ; and, inasmuch as in man it hangs downwards to float upon 

 the intestines, it has been termed the Epiploon. Even in emaciated 

 subjects, it contains between its layers a considerable quantity of fat. 



The Duodenum (Plates 43 and 44). A better opportunity to examine 

 this part of the intestine is now afforded. Commencing in the epigas- 

 trium, at the pyloric orifice of the stomach, it ascends across the posterior 

 face of the right lobe of the liver, in passing into the right hypochon- 

 drium. It then curves backwards in the right lumbar region, beneath 

 the right kidney; and, sweeping round the crook of the csecum, it 

 crosses the spine and is continued as the jejunum. Its calibre is 



Y 



