Greater omentum (English)

The greater omentum is a four-layered peritoneal fold that hangs like an apron covering the abdominal organs. From left to right, the upper margin of the greater omentum is continuous with the gastrosplenic ligament, greater curvature of the stomach and the proximal part of the duodenum. It descends inferiorly over the transverse colon, jejunum and ileum. The omentum then turns posteriorly, passing anterior to the transverse colon and transverse mesocolon to attach to the posterior abdominal wall. The right margin of the greater omentum is usually attached to the hepatic flexure and upper portion of the ascending colon. Its left margin is sometimes attached to the anterior surface of the descending colon. The greater omentum is vascularized by the gastroomental arteries, and the blood is drained by gastroomental veins, which run between its layers.