Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fold of peritoneum supporting the viscera: In anatomy, the omentum is a large, apron-like fold of fatty tissue that hangs down from the stomach and covers the front of the intestines. It is part of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, and plays roles in fat storage, immune response, and isolating infections or injuries within the abdomen.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The surgeon carefully examined the omentum for any signs of disease.
  • Inflammation of the omentum can cause significant abdominal pain.
  • The greater omentum is often referred to as the "abdominal policeman" for its role in walling off infections.

Advanced Usage

• "Greater omentum": A specific, large portion of the omentum that extends from the greater curvature of the stomach, draping over the intestines like an apron.
  • The greater omentum was found to be adherent to the site of the old infection.
• "Lesser omentum": A smaller fold of peritoneum connecting the stomach and duodenum to the liver.
  • The hepatic artery passes through the lesser omentum.

Variants and Related Words

• Omental (adj): Pertaining to the omentum.
  • The patient had an omental cyst that required removal.
• Omenta (n): The plural form of omentum.
  • The two primary omenta are the greater and lesser omentum.

Synonyms

• Epiphon (n, rare/archaic): An older term for the greater omentum.
• Caul (n): A general term sometimes used for any membrane enclosing the intestines, including the omentum.

Noun

1. a fold of peritoneum supporting the viscera