THE STOMACH 247 



lying on his back, but it becomes quite evident when the 

 vertical position is adopted. The stomach becomes tubular 

 and assumes a J-shape. The long limb of the J is vertical 

 and lies entirely to the left of the median plane, its lower limit 

 often reaching the fibre-cartilage (intervertebral disc) between 

 the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. The short limb of the 

 J passes upwards and to the right and terminates at the 

 pylorus, which descends to the level of the second or third 



FIG. 95. Atonic, dilated, Stomach. Radiograph taken in upright 

 position. (From Kxox's Radiography.} 



lumbar vertebra in the erect attitude. In a healthy stomach, 

 in which the tonus of the muscular wall is good, it will be 

 found that the upper level of the bismuth is maintained at a 

 higher level in the long limb than it is in the short limb, and 

 that the fundus, since it contains a certain amount of gas 

 (Fig. 94), is outlined as a clear semicircular area on the top 

 of the long limb. 



Marked variations from the typical description indicate the 

 existence of pathological conditions. Thus, in radiograms 



