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    Related Topics

    From Digestive System

    Palatine Tonsils
    Lymphatic tissues on either side of the oropharynx.
    Rectum
    Straight section of the colon leading to anus.
    Cystic Duct
    Connects gallbladder to common bile duct.
    Right Lobe
    Larger functional lobe of the liver.
    Upper Esophageal Sphincter
    Muscle ring that controls entry into the esophagus.
    Tail of Pancreas
    Tapered end of pancreas near spleen.
    Left Lobe
    Smaller lobe of the liver.
    Oropharynx
    Middle region of the pharynx behind the oral cavity.
    Esophagus
    Muscular tube conveying food from the pharynx to the stomach.
    Neck of Pancreas
    Short section between head and body.
    Vermiform Appendix
    Worm-like appendage of the cecum.
    Cheeks
    Lateral walls of the oral cavity composed of muscle and fat.
    Uvula
    Dangling soft tissue at the back of the soft palate.
    Laryngopharynx
    Lower part of pharynx leading to esophagus.
    Parotid Glands
    Largest salivary glands located near the ear.
    Tongue
    Muscular organ aiding in taste, speech, and food manipulation.
    Abdomen
    The abdomen is the body region between the chest and pelvis housing vital digestive, metabolic, and excretory organs, protected by muscular and peritoneal layers.
    External Anal Sphincter
    Voluntary muscle around anus.
    Haustra
    Pouch-like segments of colon.
    Falciform Ligament
    Connects liver to anterior abdominal wall.
    Gallbladder
    Stores and concentrates bile.
    Soft Palate
    Muscular posterior part of the roof of the mouth.
    Ligamentum Venosum
    Remnant of ductus venosus in liver.
    Pylorus
    Distal part of stomach leading to duodenum.
    Internal Anal Sphincter
    Involuntary muscle around anal canal.

    Lesser Omentum

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Connects stomach and liver.

    Overview

    The lesser omentum is a double-layered fold of peritoneum that connects the lesser curvature of the stomach and the proximal duodenum to the liver. Though smaller than the greater omentum, it plays a crucial role in supporting key structures such as blood vessels, lymphatics, and ducts entering or leaving the liver. It also contributes to the organization of the upper abdominal cavity and provides a pathway for neurovascular communication.

    Location

    The lesser omentum is located in the upper abdomen, forming part of the anterior boundary of the lesser sac (omental bursa). It:

    • Extends from the liver (porta hepatis) to the lesser curvature of the stomach and the first part of the duodenum

    • Forms the anterior wall of the epiploic (omental) foramen, which connects the lesser sac to the greater sac

    • Is suspended vertically between the liver and the stomach/duodenum

    Structure

    The lesser omentum is composed of two main parts:

    • Hepatogastric ligament: Connects the liver to the lesser curvature of the stomach; thinner and more membranous

    • Hepatoduodenal ligament: Thicker portion that connects the liver to the first part of the duodenum; contains the portal triad

    The portal triad, enclosed within the hepatoduodenal ligament, includes:

    • Hepatic artery proper

    • Portal vein

    • Common bile duct

    The lesser omentum is covered by visceral peritoneum on both surfaces, with a thin layer of connective tissue in between.

    Function

    Though primarily structural, the lesser omentum serves several key functions:

    • Suspends and stabilizes: Anchors the stomach and proximal duodenum to the liver

    • Conduit for vessels and ducts: Allows passage of vital structures such as the portal triad between the liver and digestive tract

    • Partitioning of peritoneal cavities: Helps separate the greater sac from the lesser sac of the peritoneal cavity

    Physiological Role(s)

    Beyond structural support, the lesser omentum contributes to digestive and hepatic physiology:

    • Facilitates bile transport: The bile duct housed within the hepatoduodenal ligament carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum for fat emulsification

    • Delivers oxygenated blood: The hepatic artery proper supplies arterial blood to the liver

    • Returns nutrient-rich blood: The portal vein brings venous blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver for filtration and metabolic processing

    • Immune function: Though less immunologically active than the greater omentum, it may still assist in limiting localized infection spread within the upper abdomen

    Clinical Significance

    The lesser omentum is important in several clinical and surgical contexts:

    • Portal triad clamping (Pringle maneuver): During liver surgery or trauma, clamping the hepatoduodenal ligament temporarily controls bleeding from the hepatic artery and portal vein

    • Access to the lesser sac: Surgeons must reflect the lesser omentum to access the posterior stomach, pancreas, and omental bursa during procedures like pancreatic resections

    • Peritonitis spread: The lesser omentum may be a route for infectious or inflammatory material to spread between compartments

    • Hepatogastric ligament involvement: May be invaded or thickened in cases of gastric or hepatic cancer, and can be assessed during staging laparoscopy

    • Lymphatic drainage and metastasis: Lymph nodes within or near the lesser omentum may harbor metastatic disease from gastric or hepatic primaries

    Imaging techniques like CT or laparoscopy can help visualize the lesser omentum and its contents, especially in the context of cancer staging or surgical planning.

    Did you know? Your stomach produces about 7 liters of digestive juices every day to help process food.