6G4 



ORGANS OF DIGESTION. 



and gives attachment to the great omentum. The surfaces of the organ are 

 limited by these two curvatures. 



The anterior surface is directed upwards and forwards, and is in relation with 

 the Diaphragm, the under surface of the left lobe of the liver, and, in the epigas- 

 tric region, with the abdominal parietes. 



Fig. 333. The Mucous Membrane of the Stomach and Duodenum, with the Bile Ducts. 



Cyttie duct 



The posterior surface is directed downwards and backwards, and is in relation 

 with the pancreas and great vessels of the abdomen, the crura of the Diaphragm, 

 and the solar plexus. 



The stomach is held in position by the lesser omentum, which extends from 

 the transverse fissure of the liver to its lesser curvature, and by a fold of peri- 

 toneum, which passes from the Diaphragm on to the cesophageal end of the 

 stomach, the gastro-phrenic ligament ; this constitutes the most fixed point of the 

 stomach, whilst the pyloric end and greater curvature are the most movable 

 parts : hence, when this organ becomes greatly distended, the greater curvature 

 is directed forwards, whilst the anterior and posterior surfaces are directed, the 

 former upwards, and the latter downwards. 



Alterations in Position. There is no organ in the body the position and connections of which 

 present such frequent alterations as the stomach. During inspiration it is displaced downwards 

 by the descent of the Diaphragm, and elevated by the pressure of the abdominal muscles during 

 expiration. Its position to the surrounding viscera is also changed, according to the empty or 

 distended state of the organ, When empty, it occupies only a small part of the left hypochon- 

 driac region, the spleen lying behind it ; the left lobe of the liver covers it in front, and the under 

 surface of the heart rests upon it above, and in front, being separated from it by the left lobe of 

 the liver and pericardium. Hence it is, that, in gastralgia, the pain is generally referred to the 

 heart, and is often accompanied by palpitation and intermission of the pulse. When the 



