12 THE COMMON COLICS OF THE flORSS 



and passing in apposition with the last rib, where it may 

 readily be found at the lower part of its upper third, just 

 where the extremity of the transverse processes of the 

 first lumbar vertebra reaches ; it then passes immediately 

 behind the right kidney opposite to the second lumbar 

 vertebra, crossing the spine transversely behind the 

 anterior mesenteric artery ; it is then attached to the colon, 

 and terminates in becoming continued by the floating 

 portion in the left flank. Where the duodenum rests on 

 the colon and passes under the last ribs on the right side 

 is a practical point of considerable importance. 



The free portion of the small intestines is suspended 

 by means of the mesentery from the underneath portion 

 of the spine in a spiral form ; owing to the length of the 

 mesentery and this mode of attachment, volvulus of the 

 bowels is, unfortunately, only too common. The small 

 intestines hang well in the centre of the body, and lie in 

 the curve formed by the double colon ; they terminate at 

 the caecum, crossing to the right side for this purpose, 

 and opening into the gut close to the colon, but below it. 

 This part is situated beneath the third lumbar vertebra, 

 about 6 inches from its under surface. 



The Large Intestines are represented by the caecum, 

 colon, and rectum ; they occupy a fairly regular position, 

 and a knowledge of their disposition and course is im- 

 perative. The cmcum, or 'blind "gut," contains, on an 

 average, about 8 gallons of fluid, and is over 3 feet 

 in length. It usually occupies a position obliquely from 

 above downwards and forwards, and presents superiorly 

 a base, and inferiorly an apex. The superior extremity, 

 base, or arch, or, as well designated by Chauveau, 

 'crook,' is situated in the right lumbar region close 

 under the spine ; it is in relation with the right kidney, 

 duodenum, psoas muscles, colon, small intestines, and 



