Epiploic Foramen (of Winslow) Flashcards

Review the epiploic foramen, its anatomical boundaries, relationship to the lesser sac, and clinical significance.

Card 1 of 16Question

What is the epiploic foramen?

A natural opening connecting the greater sac and lesser sac of the peritoneal cavity.

In This Section

1. What is the epiploic foramen?

A natural opening connecting the greater sac and lesser sac of the peritoneal cavity.

2. What is another name for the epiploic foramen?

Foramen of Winslow.

3. Which peritoneal compartment lies medial to the epiploic foramen?

The lesser sac, also called the omental bursa.

4. Which peritoneal compartment lies lateral to the epiploic foramen?

The greater sac.

5. What forms the anterior boundary of the epiploic foramen?

The free right edge of the lesser omentum, containing the portal triad.

6. Which ligament forms the anterior boundary of the epiploic foramen?

The hepatoduodenal ligament.

7. What forms the posterior boundary of the epiploic foramen?

The inferior vena cava, covered by parietal peritoneum.

8. What forms the superior boundary of the epiploic foramen?

The caudate lobe of the liver.

9. What forms the inferior boundary of the epiploic foramen?

The first part of the duodenum.

10. Which three structures form the portal triad anterior to the epiploic foramen?

The portal vein, proper hepatic artery, and common bile duct.

11. Which portal triad structure lies posterior to the other two?

The portal vein.

12. Which portal triad structure usually lies to the right within the hepatoduodenal ligament?

The common bile duct.

13. Which portal triad structure usually lies to the left within the hepatoduodenal ligament?

The proper hepatic artery.

14. Which surgical maneuver uses the anterior boundary of the epiploic foramen to control hepatic bleeding?

The Pringle maneuver.

15. How is the portal triad temporarily compressed during the Pringle maneuver?

By clamping or compressing the hepatoduodenal ligament.

16. What rare internal hernia can occur through the epiploic foramen?

A foramen of Winslow hernia, in which abdominal viscera enter the lesser sac.