greater omentum
A surgeon carefully examines the greater omentum during an abdominal procedure.
Noun: - A large, apron-like fold of the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity) that is attached to the greater curvature of the stomach and the transverse colon. It drapes over the intestines like a fatty curtain.
The term is used in anatomical, medical, and biological contexts to describe a specific structure within the abdominal cavity. - The surgeon carefully moved the greater omentum aside to access the underlying organs. - Inflammation of the greater omentum can occur due to infection. - The greater omentum plays a role in immune response and fat storage.
- "Omental": The adjective form relating to the omentum.
- The patient had an omental cyst that required removal.
- "Omentectomy": The surgical removal of the omentum.
- An omentectomy is sometimes performed during cancer surgery.
- Omentum: The general term for folds of the peritoneum. The greater omentum is one of two main omenta.
- Lesser omentum: A smaller fold of peritoneum connecting the stomach and duodenum to the liver.
- Gastrocolic omentum: An older, synonymous term for the greater omentum.
- Caul: An archaic or non-technical term sometimes used for the omentum.
- Epiphon: A rare, largely obsolete synonym.
The primary and sole meaning of "greater omentum" is the specific anatomical structure described. It does not have idiomatic or figurative uses. Its key functions are often summarized as fat storage, infection control (it can migrate to wall off areas of inflammation, sometimes called the "abdominal policeman"), and providing insulation and padding for abdominal organs.
A surgeon carefully examines the greater omentum during an abdominal procedure.
- part of the peritoneum attached to the stomach and to the colon and covering the intestines