Transverse colon

Transverse colon

The Transverse colon is the longest and most movable part of the colon, passing with a downward convexity from the right hypochondriac region to the left, where it curves sharply on itself beneath the spleen, forming the splenic flexure or left colic flexure.

Anatomy

The transverse colon hangs off the stomach, attached to it by a wide band of tissue called the greater omentum. On the posterior side, the transverse colon is connected to the posterior abdominal wall by a mesentery known as the transverse mesocolon.

The transverse colon is encased in peritoneum, and is therefore mobile (unlike the retroperitoneal ascending and descending colon).

Function

The main function of the transverse colon is to extract water and nutrients from indigestible food matter, and to process waste material in preparation for its elimination from the body.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the colon that specifically affect the transverse colon are relatively rare, but can include colorectal cancer, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

See also

• Ascending colon
• Descending colon
• Sigmoid colon
• Cecum
• Appendix