Definition

Noun: * An isolated part of the peritoneal cavity that is dorsal to the stomach: The bursa omentalis is a specific anatomical space within the abdomen. It is a pouch-like compartment of the peritoneal cavity, located behind the stomach and in front of the pancreas. It is also commonly known as the lesser sac or omental bursa.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • During the surgery, the surgeon carefully explored the bursa omentalis to check for any signs of inflammation or fluid collection.
  • The pancreas lies posterior to the bursa omentalis.
  • An understanding of the anatomy of the bursa omentalis is crucial for certain abdominal surgical procedures.

Advanced Usage

• "to enter the bursa omentalis": A surgical or anatomical phrase describing gaining access to this specific cavity.
  • The surgeon opened the gastrocolic ligament to enter the bursa omentalis.
• "fluid in the bursa omentalis": A clinical description indicating the presence of ascites, blood, or other fluids in this space, which can be a sign of disease.
  • The CT scan revealed a small collection of fluid in the bursa omentalis, suggestive of pancreatitis.

Variants and Related Words

• Omental bursa (n): The most common synonym and alternative name for the bursa omentalis.
  • The omental bursa communicates with the greater sac via the epiploic foramen.
• Lesser sac (n): Another widely used synonym in anatomical terminology.
  • The lesser sac is bounded anteriorly by the stomach and the lesser omentum.

Synonyms

• Lesser sac: The most frequently used synonym in medical English.
• Omental bursa: A direct synonym, often used interchangeably.

Related Phrases

• Epiploic foramen (foramen of Winslow): The anatomical opening that connects the bursa omentalis (lesser sac) to the main peritoneal cavity (greater sac).
  • The surgeon identified the epiploic foramen, the entrance to the bursa omentalis.
• Greater sac: Refers to the main, larger part of the peritoneal cavity, which is distinct from and connected to the bursa omentalis.
  • The bursa omentalis is a smaller compartment separate from the greater sac.

Noun

1. an isolated part of the peritoneal cavity that is dorsal to the stomach