ACQUIRED DEFORMITIES AND DISPLACEMENTS. 379 



the left side, and the descending colon and sigmoid flexure on 

 the right. The transverse colon may be entirely absent, the 

 ascending and descending colon lying side by side. 



FIG. 171. 



Internal strangulation by a diverticulum (Warren Museum). 



Acquired Deformities and Displacements. 



Hernia is a term by which is generally understood a pro- 

 trusion of the intestine through a natural but abnormally 

 dilated opening in the abdominal wall. It pushes in front of 

 itself the peritoneum, which thus forms the sac of the hernia. 



Strangulation is the most serious result of hernia, and occurs 

 when the gut is so constricted or compressed that it is no longer 



