Lesser sac

Lesser Sac

The Lesser Sac, also known as the Omental Bursa, is a cavity in the abdomen that is part of the peritoneal cavity. It is located posterior to the stomach and lesser omentum and anterior to the pancreas and transverse colon.

Etymology

The term "Lesser Sac" is derived from the Latin word "saccus", which means "bag" or "sack". The term "Omental Bursa" is derived from the Latin word "omentum", which refers to the fatty apron-like structure that hangs down from the stomach, and the Greek word "bursa", which means "bag" or "purse".

Anatomy

The Lesser Sac is a part of the peritoneal cavity, which is the space within the abdomen that contains the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and adrenal glands. The Lesser Sac is located behind the stomach and the lesser omentum, which is a double layer of peritoneum that extends from the liver to the lesser curvature of the stomach and the beginning of the duodenum. The Lesser Sac is in front of the pancreas and the transverse colon.

The Lesser Sac has several boundaries. Its anterior boundary is the posterior wall of the stomach and the lesser omentum. Its posterior boundary is the anterior surface of the pancreas and the transverse mesocolon. Its superior boundary is the caudate lobe of the liver. Its inferior boundary is the transverse colon.

The Lesser Sac communicates with the greater sac, which is the main part of the peritoneal cavity, through the epiploic foramen, also known as the foramen of Winslow.

Clinical Significance

The Lesser Sac is clinically significant because it is a potential space for the accumulation of fluid, such as in the case of ascites, or infection, such as in the case of peritonitis. It is also significant in surgical procedures involving the stomach, pancreas, or transverse colon.

See Also

• Greater Sac
• Peritoneal Cavity
• Epiploic Foramen
• Ascites
• Peritonitis

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