ABDOMINAL CAVITY 



441 



the spleen, and palpate the upper and lateral part of the 

 left kidney as it lies against the diaphragm. 



The positions and connections of the various viscera 

 must now be studied in greater detail. Commence with 

 the consideration of the liver. 



Hepar (The Liver). The liver has already been seen 

 crossing the costal angle and projecting below the right 

 costal margin. It is the largest gland in the body, and is 

 a solid pliant organ, which occupies a large part of the 



Coronary ligament 



'Ligamentum teres 

 Jail-bladder 



FIG. 167. Anterior Surface of the Liver. 



epigastric and right hypochondriac regions, and smaller 

 portions of the left hypochondriac and right lumbar regions. 

 It is almost entirely surrounded by the peritoneal lining of 

 the abdomen. The portions which can be investigated, 

 at the present stage of dissection are smooth to the touch, 

 and they present a smooth and glistening appearance. The 

 dissector should pass his hand over the surfaces of the organ 

 and he will find that it has the form of an irregular four- 

 sided pyramid. The base of the pyramid lies to the right, 

 where it is in contact with the diaphragm, from the level of 

 the seventh to the level of the eleventh rib in the mid- 



