416 DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF THE HORSE 
tine, and the greater omentum. The borders between these surfaces are 
termed the curvatures. The lesser curvature (Curvatura ventriculi minor) 
is very short, extending from the termination of the cesophagus to the june- 
tion with the small intestine. When the stomach is in situ, its walls are here in 
contact, and the cardia and pylorus close together.1. The greater curvature (Cur- 
vatura ventricull major) is very extensive. From the cardia it is first directed 
dorsally and curves over the left extremity; it then descends, passes to the right, 
crosses the median plane, and curves upward to end at the pylorus. Its left part 
is related to the spleen, while its ventral portion rests on the left parts 
of the great colon. The left extremity (Extremitas sinistra) has the form of a 
rounded cul-de-sac termed the saccus czcus; it lies ventral to the left crus of the 
diaphragm, and so beneath the dorsal part of the sixteenth and seventeenth ribs. 
It is related to the pancreas and the termination of the great colon behind and the 
base of the spleen laterally. The right or pyloric extremity (Extremitas dextra) 
is much smaller and is continuous with 
the duodenum, the junction being in- 
dicated by a marked constriction. It 
lies just to the right of the median 
plane, and about two inches (ca. 5 em.) 
lower than the cardia; it is in contact 
with the visceral surface of the liver. 
About two or three inches (ca. 5 to 8 
em.) from the pylorus there is a con- 
striction which marks off the antrum 
pyloricum from the rest of the right 
sac. The cesophageal orifice is termed 
the cardia; it is situated at the left 
end of the lesser curvature, but about 
eight to ten inches (ca. 20 to 25 em.) 
from the left extremity.” The cesopha- 
gus Joins the stomach very obliquely. 
The opening is closed by the sphincter 
cardi and numerous folds of mucous 
membrane. The pylorus is the open- 
ing into the intestine. Its position is 
0, CEsophagus: D, duodenum: 6, circular layer; idicated externally by a distinct cons 
c’, internal oblique fibers; c”, loop around cardia; ¢”, striction. Internally it presents a cir- 
transition of internal to external oblique Sbers; d, fibers. cular ridge, caused bya Ting commas 
connecting the two branches of the cardiac loop; p, 3 = 
antral sphincter; p’, pyloric sphincter. (Ellenberger- CUlar tissue—the sphincter pylori. 
Baum, Anat. d. Haustiere.) The stomach is held in position 
mainly by the pressure of the sur- 
rounding viscera and by the cesophagus. The following peritoneal folds connect 
it with the adjacent parts: 
1. The gastro-phrenic ligament (Lig. gastrophrenicum) connects the greater 
curvature, from the cardia to the left extremity, with the crura of the diaphragm. 
This leaves a narrow area uncovered with peritoneum, and here the stomach is 
attached to the diaphragm by areolar tissue. 
Fie. 356.—Evertep StomacH oF Horse FROM WHICH 
THE Mvucous MrMBRANE HAS BEEN REMOVED. 
‘The more expressive term “incisura angularis’’ has been suggested and is worthy of adop- 
tion. 
° The position of the cardia varies of course with the excursion of the diaphragm. It is 
usually an inch or more (ca. 3 cm.) to the left of the median plane and ventral to the vertebral end 
of the fourteenth rib. When the diaphragm is contracted the cardia may be six inches (ca. 15 em.) 
below the level of the spine; when the diaphragm isrelaxed, theinterval may be reduced to about 
two inches (ca. 5 em.). 
