246 THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 



position of the body. Above, it is formed by the gastric 

 surface of the spleen, the anterior surfaces of the left kidney 

 and supra-renal gland, and the posterior abdominal wall. 

 Below, it is formed by the anterior surface of the pancreas, 

 the transverse mesocolon and the transverse colon (Fig. 88). 

 The stomach may become adherent to any of these viscera in 

 the presence of a gastric ulcer, and death has been recorded 

 in several cases from haemorrhage due to erosion of the 



FIG. 94. Normal Tonic Stomach. Radiograph taken in upright 

 position. (From KNOX'S Radiography.} 



splenic artery, which runs along the upper border of the 

 pancreas (Fig. 93). 



Radiographic Examination of the Stomach. The peritoneal 

 folds which anchor it to the neighbouring viscera permit the 

 stomach to alter its position under the action of gravity. This 

 fact has been clearly demonstrated by the examination of the 

 organ with X-rays, after the patient has been given a bismuth 

 meal. Under examination with the fluorescent screen, the 

 outline of the stomach is very indistinct when the patient is 



