1 88 Anatomy of the Rabbit. 



the bile duct. It distributes branches to the right posterior 



lobule and the caudate lobe, and at the base of the liver 



proper divides into right and left rami. The right ramus 



sends a branch, the cystic artery (a. cystica), to the gall 



bladder. 



(c) The portal vein (v. portae), a vessel of large calibre, but 



usually found in a collapsed condition, enters the lesser 



omentum from the dorsal surface of the pyloric antrum. It 



distributes branches to the right posterior lobule and the 



caudate lobe; then passing directly forward to the base of 



the left lobe is distributed to the latter, a right branch being 



given off to the right anterior lobule. 



4. Divide the lesser omentum with the structures described 



above. Divide the coronary and triangular ligaments, cutting 



near the liver so as not to injure the central tendon of the 



diaphragm, which resembles the coronary ligament. Remove the 



liver and examine its dorsal surface for the following: 



(a) The inferior vena caya; it is accomrnodated in a depression 

 of the thickened dorsal portion of the organ. The vessel 

 should be opened lengthwise. 



(b) The hepatic veins (vv. hepaticae) open almost directly 

 from the substance of the liver into the inferior cava. They 

 are typically four in number, there being separate vessels for 

 the anterior and. posterior parts of the right lobe and for the 

 caudate lobe, in addition to a large vessel for the left lobe. 



(c) The renal impression (impressio renalis), an extensive 

 excavation of the right posterior lobule for the accommoda- 

 tion of the right kidney. 



V. THE INTESTINES. 



The posterior portion of the digestive tube, or that portion 

 extending from the pyloric aperture of the stomach to the anal 

 aperture, is divisible into two main parts, not wholly distinguishable 

 in calibre, namely, the small intestine (intestinum tenue), and the 

 large intestine (intestinum crassum) . Both are greatly elongated 

 and convoluted. In examining them care must be taken to avoid 

 injury to the bloodvessels and mesenteries, especially the dorsal 



