GASTROCOLIC OMENTUM Meaning and
Definition
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The gastrocolic omentum, also known as the greater omentum, is a fold of peritoneum that connects the stomach to the transverse colon in the abdominal cavity. It is considered the largest peritoneal fold in the body and plays important roles in protecting and supporting the digestive organs.
The gastrocolic omentum is attached to the greater curvature of the stomach and then extends downwards to hang over the small intestines, eventually folding back and attaching to the transverse colon. This creates a sort of curtain that covers the abdominal organs. The omentum is composed of both fatty tissue and a thin layer of peritoneal lining.
The primary function of the gastrocolic omentum is to provide a protective covering for the abdominal organs, acting as a barrier against infections and injuries. It also contains an extensive network of blood vessels and lymph nodes that play a crucial role in the immune response and circulation. Moreover, the omentum has a role in limiting the spread of infection or inflammation by forming adhesions or sealing off damaged areas within the abdominal cavity.
Additionally, the gastrocolic omentum has some metabolic functions. The fatty tissue within the omentum acts as an energy reserve and insulation for the abdomen. It can also produce certain hormones and immune cells that participate in various physiological processes.
In summary, the gastrocolic omentum is a peritoneal fold that connects the stomach to the transverse colon. It serves as a protective covering for the abdominal organs, supports immune function, and has some metabolic roles.
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• The epiploon, or omentum majus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GASTROCOLIC OMENTUM
- fastrocolic omentum
- vastrocolic omentum
- bastrocolic omentum
- hastrocolic omentum
- yastrocolic omentum
- tastrocolic omentum
- gzstrocolic omentum
- gsstrocolic omentum
- gwstrocolic omentum
- gqstrocolic omentum
- gaatrocolic omentum
- gaztrocolic omentum
- gaxtrocolic omentum
- gadtrocolic omentum
- gaetrocolic omentum
- gawtrocolic omentum
- gasrrocolic omentum
- gasfrocolic omentum
- gasgrocolic omentum
Etymology of GASTROCOLIC OMENTUM
The word "gastrocolic omentum" is derived from two Latin roots: "gastro" and "colic", combined with the English word "omentum".
- "Gastro" comes from the Latin word "gaster" or "gastr-" meaning "stomach" or "belly".
- "Colic" is derived from the Latin word "colicus" meaning "pertaining to the colon".
- "Omentum" refers to the fold of the peritoneum (a lining of the abdominal cavity) that covers the intestines.
Therefore, the term "gastrocolic omentum" refers to the fold of peritoneum that connects the stomach (gastro-) and the colon (-colic) in the abdominal cavity.
