Gastrocolic omentum

Gastrocolic ligament is a part of the greater omentum, a fold of the peritoneum that hangs down from the stomach. It extends from the transverse colon to the anterior surface of the stomach and duodenum. The gastrocolic ligament is the largest ligament of the greater omentum and contains the gastroepiploic vessels.

Anatomy

The gastrocolic ligament is a double layer of peritoneum that extends from the greater curvature of the stomach to the transverse colon. It is part of the greater omentum, which is a large apron-like fold of visceral peritoneum that hangs down from the stomach. The greater omentum is composed of four layers of peritoneum, and the gastrocolic ligament is the most inferior of these layers.

The gastrocolic ligament contains the right and left gastroepiploic vessels, which supply blood to the greater curvature of the stomach and the transverse colon. The ligament also contains lymphatic vessels and nerves.

Function

The gastrocolic ligament, along with the rest of the greater omentum, helps to protect the abdominal organs. It can move around within the abdomen to cover areas of inflammation or injury, helping to prevent the spread of infection or inflammation to other parts of the abdomen.

The ligament also plays a role in fat storage. The greater omentum, including the gastrocolic ligament, is often the site of significant fat deposition, particularly in individuals who are overweight or obese.

Clinical significance

The gastrocolic ligament may be involved in several surgical procedures involving the stomach or colon. For example, during a gastrectomy, the surgeon may need to cut through the gastrocolic ligament to remove the stomach. Similarly, during a colectomy, the surgeon may need to cut through the ligament to remove part or all of the colon.

In some cases, the gastrocolic ligament may be used to create a new pathway for food to pass through the digestive system, such as in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

See also

• Greater omentum
• Peritoneum
• Gastrectomy
• Colectomy
• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass