PIGEON. 25 



The large intestine is very short, about one-tenth part of the 

 length of the body, and is continued straight from the cceca to 

 the cloaca. The rectum terminates by a valvular circular orifice 

 m the cloaca. 



THE LIVER 



Is a large two-lobed organ, which occupies the front part of the 

 abdominal cavity, monopolising a great portion of its space. 



The right lobe covers the beginning of the duodenum, pancreas, 

 •and part of the small intestines ; the left lobe covers the proven- 

 triculus and part of the gizzard ; while the apex of the heart is 

 received between the upper end of these two lobes. Of the two 

 hepatic ducts, one, the right and larger, enters the beginning of 

 the duodenum, the other near its termination. 



The portal veins are of great size. 



SPLEEN 



Of small size, of a reddish colour, and of oval form, is placed 

 beneath the liver, on the right side of the proventriculus. A 

 process of the pancreas passes into close contact with it. 



PANCEEAS 



Is of large size, and consists of two distinct portions, but these are 

 so closely applied together that they appear like one continuous 

 gland. It is of an elongated and narrow form, and is situated in 

 the fold of the duodenum, and is more or less bent upon itself. 

 It has three ducts, two of which open into the duodenum separately, 

 close to the larger hepatic duct, while the third duct terminates 

 at a distance from the other two. 



THE KIDNEYS 



Are two elongated organs, placed on either side of the vertebral 

 column, commencing immediately below the lungs, and extending 

 along the spine as far as the termination of the rectum. They 

 are moulded to the cavities and depressions of the pelvis. The 

 posterior surface exhibits inequalities corresponding to the emin- 

 ences and depressions of the pelvis. Each is invested by a capsule; 

 and consists of three principal lobes. 



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