OF THE ABDOMEN GENERALLY. 



227 



which each lacteal passes. Besides the mesentery which 

 supports the small intestines, there is a mesocolon. Which 

 latter fulfil the same offices as the mesentery. The omen- 

 tum consists of a delicate duplicature of peritoneum, de- 

 rived from its reflections, between which fat is deposited. 

 Its use is to favour the motion of the various abdominal 

 contents one upon another ; and it is possessed of very 

 low vitality, bearing to be cut or torn with impunity. It 

 arises from the stomach, and is the caul of the butcher. 

 The peritoneum is possessed of great strength as well as elas- 

 ticity ; facts well authenticated by the different shapes which 

 the abdomen assumes when tucked up, and when distended 

 by flatulent colic. 



FIG 22. 



THE REFLECTIONS OF PERITONEUM. 



LP, The lai'ger cavity of the perito- 

 neum. 

 SP, The smaller cavity of the perito- 

 neum. 

 D, The diaphragm. 

 L, The liver. 

 SS, The stomach and spleen. 

 C, The colon, supported by MC, the 



mesocolon. 

 /, The ilium, supported by the me- 

 sentery, formed of two layers of 

 peritoneum. 



R, The rectum, supported by the meso- 

 colon. 



Q, That portion of the rectum which is 

 covered only by condensed cellular 

 tissue. 



B, The bladder. 



0, The omentum, formed by th« union of 

 the two peritoneums. 



P, The oesophagus indicated. The lower 

 P re])resents the investiture of the 

 hepatic duct, which goes to the duo- 

 denum. 



By tracing the white lines the student may learn the reflections of pei-itoneum, and 

 ascertain the existence and precise situations of the lesser and larger cavity. 



q2 



