528 ABDOMEN 



diaphragm, and in a backward direction from the anterior abdominal 

 wall. 



This pressure and counterpressure, which produce so marked a con- 

 formation of the anterior surface of the two kidneys, must also exercise 

 an important influence in maintaining the organ in its place, and securing 

 it in that part of the abdominal cavity in which it lies. Still it is doubtful 

 if these influences have so potent an effect on the right as on the left 

 side. The right kidney is embedded to a greater or less extent in the 

 liver, and this no doubt exerts an influence in fixing the organ in position. 



Ligaments fixing the kidney to the abdominal wall are described, and 

 it is easy to demonstrate that the extra - peritoneal tissue in which it lies 

 becomes condensed in the regions above and below into obscure ligamentous 

 lamellae, but it is doubtful if these can have much effect in maintaining the 

 kidney in its place. 



Pancreas Bile-duct 



Pancreatic duct 



Aorta 



Duodenum 



Right kidney 



FIG. 204. Section through Abdomen at the level of the second 

 lumbar vertebra. 



Hilus of the Kidney. The medial border of each kidney 

 presents a longitudinal fissure called the hilus, for the 

 admission and egress of the vessels, nerves, lymph vessels, and 

 duct (Fig. 209). This is bounded anteriorly and posteriorly 

 by a thick lip, and leads into a deep recess or cavity in the 

 kidney, which is termed the renal sinus. The ureter and the 

 renal vessels enter the kidney between the lips of the hilus. 

 They will be found to have the following general position 

 from before backwards : ( i ) branches of the renal vein ; 

 (2) branches of the renal artery ; (3) ureter or renal duct. 



Anterior Surface of the Right Kidney. The anterior 

 surface of the right kidney may present three impressions, 

 viz. a hepatic, a colic, and a duodenal. The hepatic impression, 



