Suspensory muscle of duodenum

Suspensory Muscle of Duodenum

The suspensory muscle of duodenum is a thin muscle connecting the duodenum to the diaphragm.

The Suspensory Muscle of Duodenum (also known as Ligament of Treitz or musculus suspensorius duodeni) is a structure in the anatomy of the digestive system. It plays a crucial role in the movement and positioning of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

Anatomy

The suspensory muscle of duodenum is a thin muscle that arises from the right crus of the diaphragm and the aorta, and descends to be inserted into the superior aspect of the duodenojejunal flexure. It is responsible for creating an angle, known as the duodenojejunal flexure, between the duodenum and the jejunum.

Function

The primary function of the suspensory muscle of duodenum is to assist in the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. It achieves this by maintaining the duodenojejunal flexure, which helps to control the rate at which partially digested food (chyme) passes from the stomach into the duodenum.

Clinical Significance

The suspensory muscle of duodenum is of clinical significance as its dysfunction or malformation can lead to a number of gastrointestinal disorders. For instance, a lax or elongated suspensory muscle of duodenum can result in superior mesenteric artery syndrome, a rare, potentially life-threatening gastro-vascular disorder.

See Also

• Duodenum
• Small intestine
• Superior mesenteric artery syndrome