Transverse colon
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The transverse colon (colon transversum) usually sags downward arcuate. Its origin is in the region of the right hypochondrium (right hepatic flexure) at the level of the costal cartilage, then the gut goes in an oblique direction from right to left first downwards, then upwards into the region of the left hypochondrium. The length of the transverse colon is about 50 cm (25 to 62 cm). In the left hypochondrium at the level of IX costal cartilage, the transverse colon ends with a left (splenic) flexure of the colon (flexura coli sinistra) and passes into the descending colon. The transverse colon is covered by the peritoneum on all sides, it has a mesentery, with which it is attached to the back wall of the abdominal cavity. To the anterior surface of the transverse colon is attached the gastric-ligament ligament, which comes from the large curvature of the stomach and the upper part of the duodenum and is the upper part of the large epiploon.
To the transverse colon on the top in the right bend are liver, stomach, to the left bend - the spleen, from below - the loops of the small intestine; behind the duodenum and pancreas. With an empty stomach, the anterior surface of the transverse colon is usually attached to the anterior abdominal wall. When the stomach is full, it moves away from the anterior abdominal wall to the back.
Where does it hurt?
What do need to examine?