240 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



the middle and lower portion of the abdominal 

 cavity. 



The abdomen, or belly, is formed chiefly of soft 

 parts, which principally consist of the four pair of 

 abdominal muscles which mainly constitute its broad 

 superficies below and laterally. In its interior part, 

 the most important viscera are situated, viz., the 

 stomach and liver. It is bounded by the false ribs, 

 and in front by the diaphragm ; its posterior com- 

 partment is bounded by the pelvis, and above by 

 the dorsal and lumbar vertebra and muscles belong- 

 ing to the loins. 



The abdominal viscera of the horse differ from 

 those of man chiefly in the shape and comparative 

 size of the stomach, and the intestine called the 

 colon ; their general relative situation is much the 



same in both. 



THE PERITONEUM. 



The peritoneum is the membrane that lines the 

 cavity of the belly, and is reflected upon the con- 

 tained viscera. It presents a shining secreting 

 surface, of a whitish aspect, and considerable trans- 

 parency. Its internal surface is smooth and humid. 

 The use of this organ is to secrete a serous fluid, 

 which is intended for lubricating every part of the 

 membrane, in consequence of which those viscera 

 that are continually moving within the belly glide 

 over one another, not only without friction, but 

 without exciting the least consciousness of their 

 motions on the part of the animal himself. In 

 addition to this, the peritoneum furnishes most of 

 the viscera with a complete external tunic, and 

 thereby adds strength and firmness to their several 

 textures. It attaches, supports, and confines those 



