On the Abdominal Viscera of Cercocebus fuliginosus and Lagothrix humboldti

Abstract

The anatomy of the primates is responsible for a very considerable volume of contributions to morphological literature. But, quite naturally, those forms which have the closest affinity to man have been more extensively and more carefully observed than those occupying a lower position in the zoological scale. And, further, the most painstaking and accurate work has been done in connection with organs which are very specially modified in man, such, for example, as those of the nervous system. This is perfectly consistent with the desire to obtain any light, and from any source, which will facilitate the unravelling of the many problems of human structure. Moreover, the soft and flaccid viscera do not lend themselves to accurate observation so readily as do the more solid organs which retain their shape after their removal from the body. So it comes to pass that, up to quite recent times, the abdominal viscera, and more especially the hollow organs of the abdomen, such as the stomach and the intestines, have only received scant attention; or, if they have been more carefully examined, the descriptions as given prior to the introduction of modern methods cannot be held as absolutely satisfactory, because of the change of shape and disposition resulting from the removal of their natural support, to wit, the abdominal walls.