Surface of Abdomen 



295 



Surface markings are made by the fleshy recti on either side of 

 the linea alba the line of junction of the aponeuroses of the oblique 

 and transverse muscles. As the linea alba approaches the ensiform 

 cartilage its position is marked by a shallow depression, the ' pit of 

 the stomach.' Immediately behind this depression some of the liver 

 and stomach are placed, and there, if slightly enlarged, the border 

 of the liver may be felt. The linea alba contains no muscular fibres 



Front of abdomen. (Modified from M'LACHLAN.) 



or blood-vessels ; the site serves well, therefore, for abdominal section, 

 paracentesis, and supra-pubic operations on the bladder. Through this 

 line is a strong fibrous seam ; it gradually yields in extreme abdominal 

 distension until it is frayed out into a thin membrane. Thus, in 

 operating for ovarian dropsy the inner borders of the recti may be found 

 several inches asunder. Similarly, when the pot-bellied,' rickety child 

 raises himself from the horizontal to the sitting posture, the intestines 

 are thrust forwards into a sausage-shaped protrusion along the 



