ABDOMEN

The abdomen or belly is the largest cavity of the body. It is bounded above by the thorax or chest and below by the two pelvic bones which meet in front. From the cavity of the thorax it is separated by the great muscle of respiration—the midriff or diaphragm. Laterally and in front it is enclosed by the lower ribs and abdominal muscles. Behind, it is supported by the spinal column. The organs contained within the abdominal cavity are the liver, which lics under the right ribs and extends acro to tho left of the “ pit of the stomach” or epigastrium; the gall-bladder and gall-ducts lying beneath the right lobe of the liver; the stomach lying LBs the left ribs and extending acro to the right, and having its smaller end situated in the epigastrium; tho intestines occupying chiefly the central portions of the abdominal cavity; the pancreas or sweetbread lying behind the stomach; the spleen or milt situated to the left of, and in contact with the large end of the stomach; tho kidneys, placed one on each side of the “puel column and under tho last two ribs of either side; the bladder, which lies at the bottom of the pelvis; tho female organs of gencration consisting of the uterus or womb, the Fallopian tubcs, broad ligament and ovaries. These organs are wholly, or in part, covered by a membrane known as the peritoneum, which when inflamed gives rise to the disease termed “ peritonitis.” The diagnosis of disease situated within the abdomen is often more difficult than that of discase situated in other parts of the body, aad non-profe ional investigation will be of very little use. ‘The means at the disposal of the physician in the investigation of abdominal diseascs are more limited in their application than is tho case with diseases in other parts of the body, and clinical experience ia toa greater extent drawn vpon. Alteration in the form and size of the abdomen; pain, with or without a rise of temperature, and especially if the pain be of a severe, acute, or sickening character, or of sudden onset, ought always to suggest the nece ity of prompt medical a istance. Protrusion of some parts of the abdominal contents through the abdominal walls gives rise to the condition known as rupture or hernia. Accidental wounds of the abdominal walls with resulting protrusion of the intestines should be dealt with by the application of a perfectly clean soft towel rung out of hot water, which should be kept in position until the arrival of the doctor. On no account should any attempt be made to replace the intestines before they have been examined for punctures or other injury by the medical attendant. [s. 329]