THE ABDOMINAL VISCERA

330. What is the abdominal viscera?HBH 157.2

As before stated, it is the organs of the abdominal cavity; comprising the stomach, alimentary canal, liver, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys, with the supra-renal capsules. For convenience, the abdominal cavity is divided into three zones, called the upper, middle, and lower zone. In the upper zone is found the liver, extending from the right to the left side; the stomach and spleen on the left, and the pancreas and duodenum behind. This zone extends from the diaphragm to the lower front point of the ribs. In the middle zone is found the upper part of the ascending and descending colon, omentum, small intestines, and mesentery, and behind, the kidneys and supra-renal capsules. In the lower zone is the inferior portion of the omentum and small intestines, lower portion of the ascending and descending colon, bladder, ureters, etc.HBH 157.3

331. What lines the abdominal cavity?HBH 158.1

The peritoneum is the serous membrane of the abdominal cavity; it invests each organ separately, and is then reflected upon the surrounding ones, enclosing the whole in a sac. The diaphragm is lined by two layers, which pass to the upper surface of the liver. They form its coronary and lateral ligaments. Passing around the liver, they meet on its under surface and pass to the stomach, forming the lesser omentum. These layers then surround the stomach, and, descending in front of the intestines, form the great omentum. They then surround the transverse colon, and passing backward to the spine, form the meso-colon, where the layers separate. The back layer ascends in front of the pancreas and aorta to the diaphragm. The front descends, and, after investing all the small intestines, it returns to the spine, thus forming the mesentery. Descending into the pelvis, it forms the meso-rectum, and a pouch called the recto-vesical fold, between the rectum and bladder. It then ascends upon the neck of the bladder, forming its false ligaments, and returns upon the front walls of the abdomen to the diaphragm.HBH 158.2

PICTURE.HBH 159.1

Figure XIX
PICTURE
ORGANS OF THE ABDOMEN

332. What does Fig. XIX illustrate?HBH 160.1

The position of the organs of the abdominal cavity. A is the descending aorta: B, the bladder; G, the gall bladder; K, the kidneys; L, the liver turned up, showing its under surface; P, the pancreas; R, the rectum; S, the spleen; N, the ureters; V, the vena cava. In this figure the intestines are mostly removed.HBH 160.2

333. What are the offices of the great omentum and mesentery?HBH 160.3

The great omentum protects the intestines from cold and friction, and facilitates their movements. The mesentery retains the small intestines in their places, and gives passage to the mesenteric arteries, veins, nerves, and lymphatics.HBH 160.4