Transverse Colon Flashcards

Explore the transverse colon's anatomy, mesenteric attachments, peritoneal relationships, vascular supply, and autonomic innervation.

Card 1 of 30Question

What is the transverse colon?

The portion of the large intestine extending across the abdomen from the right colic flexure to the left colic flexure.

In This Section

1. What is the transverse colon?

The portion of the large intestine extending across the abdomen from the right colic flexure to the left colic flexure.

2. What is the approximate length of the adult transverse colon?

Approximately 45 cm, although its length and position vary considerably.

3. Which anatomical flexure marks the beginning of the transverse colon?

The right colic flexure, also called the hepatic flexure.

4. Which anatomical flexure marks the end of the transverse colon?

The left colic flexure, also called the splenic flexure.

5. Which colic flexure is typically higher and more sharply angled?

The left colic (splenic) flexure.

6. How is the transverse colon classified in relation to the peritoneum?

It is intraperitoneal and suspended from the posterior abdominal wall by the transverse mesocolon.

7. What is the transverse mesocolon?

A double layer of peritoneum that suspends the transverse colon and carries its blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.

8. Which major retroperitoneal organ is crossed by the root of the transverse mesocolon?

The pancreas, particularly its anterior border.

9. Which peritoneal structure connects the greater curvature of the stomach to the transverse colon?

The gastrocolic ligament, part of the greater omentum.

10. How does the transverse mesocolon divide the peritoneal cavity?

It separates the greater sac into supracolic and infracolic compartments.

11. Which abdominal organs lie superior to the transverse colon?

The liver, stomach, and spleen, depending on the region.

12. Which intestinal structures typically lie inferior to the transverse colon?

Loops of the jejunum and ileum.

13. Which ligament supports the left colic flexure near the spleen?

The phrenicocolic ligament.

14. What are the three characteristic external features of the transverse colon?

Taeniae coli, haustra, and epiploic appendages.

15. Which taenia coli is associated with the attachment of the transverse mesocolon?

The taenia mesocolica.

16. Which embryological gut divisions contribute to the transverse colon?

The midgut forms the proximal two-thirds, and the hindgut forms the distal third.

17. Which artery primarily supplies the proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon?

The middle colic artery, a branch of the superior mesenteric artery.

18. Which artery primarily supplies the distal third of the transverse colon?

The left colic artery, a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery.

19. Which arterial arcade connects superior and inferior mesenteric arterial branches along the transverse colon?

The marginal artery of the colon.

20. Why is the splenic flexure considered a vascular watershed region?

It lies near the junction of superior and inferior mesenteric arterial territories, where collateral blood flow may be limited.

21. Through which veins does blood from the transverse colon drain?

The middle colic vein drains proximally to the superior mesenteric vein, while left colic tributaries drain distally to the inferior mesenteric vein.

22. Which lymph nodes receive lymphatic drainage from the transverse colon?

Epicolic and paracolic nodes, followed by middle or left colic nodes and the corresponding mesenteric lymph nodes.

23. Which autonomic plexus provides sympathetic innervation to the proximal transverse colon?

The superior mesenteric plexus.

24. Which autonomic plexus provides sympathetic innervation to the distal transverse colon?

The inferior mesenteric plexus.

25. Which nerve supplies parasympathetic innervation to the proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon?

The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X).

26. Which nerves provide parasympathetic innervation to the distal third of the transverse colon?

The pelvic splanchnic nerves arising from spinal segments S2 to S4.

27. What is the primary physiological function of the transverse colon?

Absorption of water and electrolytes, microbial fermentation, and propulsion of intestinal contents toward the descending colon.

28. What is the characteristic histological appearance of the transverse colonic mucosa?

Straight intestinal crypts containing numerous goblet cells, without intestinal villi.

29. Why is the transverse mesocolon important during transverse colectomy?

It contains the colic vascular pedicles, lymphatics, and nerves that must be identified during surgical dissection.

30. Which anatomical feature allows considerable variation in the position of the transverse colon?

Its relatively long and mobile transverse mesocolon.