[Variation of the position of the cecum and ascending colon of the degu (Octodon degus, Molina 1782)].

Twenty formalin fixed animals, nine male and eleven female, belonging to the genus Octodon degus (Molina 1782) were examined as to the topography of the cecum and ascending colon (Colon ascendens). The cecum shows differing forms and positions. The position of the Caput ceci is normally on the left side, directed cranially or caudally. Besides its topography on the left side, it can extend over the median level to the right side or remain with caput and corpus on the right, while the apex appears on the left side in front of the entry to the pelvis. Further findings were that the ascending colon (Colon ascendens) is arranged in two superimposed, often spiral folds, which may differ as to their form and extension, depending on the position of the cecum.