272 



ABDOMEN 



an angular bend of the large intestine, called the left colic 

 flexure, and by a fold of peritoneum, the phrenico- colic 

 ligament, which connects the left colic flexure with the lower 

 surface of the diaphragm, at the level of the eleventh rib in 

 the mid-axillary line. 



Intestinum (The Intestine). When the dissector has 

 satisfied himself regarding the general position and attach- 

 ments of the liver, stomach, and spleen, he should familiarise 

 himself with the parts, position, and the attachments of 

 the intestine. There are two main parts of the intestine, the 



Intermediate angle 



FIG. 127. The Spleen (visceral aspect). 



small and the large. They cannot, however, be distinguished 

 from each other by size alone, for the calibre of each part 

 varies according to the state of contraction or relaxation of 

 its muscular walls. 



The small intestine commences at the pyloric end of the 

 stomach, under cover of the liver, which must be raised 

 to expose it. The termination of the stomach and the 

 commencement of the intestine are marked by a thick ring 

 of muscle fibres, the sphincter pylori, and in many cases by 

 a distinct constriction due to the contraction of the 

 sphincter. The first part of the intestine, the duodenum, 

 runs backwards from the pylorus to the upper part or neck of 



