466 DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF THE OX 
In small subjects the weight (according to Schmaltz) varies from 61% to 10 pounds (ea. 
3 to 4.5 kg.), in large subjects from 11 to 13 pounds (ca. 5 to 6 kg.). According to Schneider, the 
average weight is about 13 pounds (ca. 6 kg.)—a little over 1 per cent. of the live weight and 
about 2 per cent. of the dressed carcass. 
When hardened in situ, it is seen to be adapted accurately to the structures 
with which it is in contact. 
The parietal surface is convex and is for the most part applied to the right 
part of the diaphragm, but a small part of it is in direct contact with the last two 
or three ribs and with the flank at the lumbo-costal angle. It faces dorsally, for- 
ward, and to the right. 
The curvature of the parietal surface is not quite regular. It is marked, except in its ventral 
part, by a blunt oblique ridge which divides the surface into two areas. Of these, the lateral one 
Caudate lobe. 
Coronary ligament (cut) 
Gall-biadder 
Posterior vena cava 
Hepatic veins 
if ij j 
Oy 
Falciform ligament (cut) A 
i (Esophageal notch 
a 
See 
Fie. 399.—Liver or Ox, PariptaL Surracr; HARDENED in situ, 
is directed outward, is only slightly convex, and often shows impressions of the last three ribs; it is 
in contact in part directly with the right abdominal wall, in part with the costal part of the dia- 
phragm which is in contact ordinarily with the lateral wall. The medial area presents a depression 
produced by the right crus of the diaphragm, and otherwise is regularly convex and adapted to 
the tendinous center and sternal part of the diaphragm. The falciform ligament is attached to 
the surface from the cesophageal notch to the umbilical fissure. There is a triangular area of 
considerable size on the dorso-medial part of the surface which is without a peritoneal covering, 
since it is adherent to the diaphragm. 
The visceral surface is concave and very irregular; it presents impressions of 
the chief organs which are in contact with it—the omasum and reticulum. It is 
also related to the pancreas and duodenum. 
The following markings are quite distinct on the visceral surface of well-hardened speci- 
mens: (1) The omasal impression (Impressio omasica) is a deep central cavity below the portal 
