The Lesser Omentum is a structure in the abdominal cavity. It is spelled "lesser" with two consecutive s's, which is represented in IPA as /ˈlɛsər/. The second syllable of the word is stressed, and the ending "-er" is pronounced with a schwa sound. "Omentum" is spelled with the letter "o" followed by "mentum" and is represented in IPA as /oʊˈmɛntəm/. The stress is on the second syllable, and the ending "-um" is pronounced with a silent m. Together, the correct pronunciation of Lesser Omentum is /ˈlɛsər oʊˈmɛntəm/.
The lesser omentum is a thin, fold-like structure in the abdominal cavity of the human body. It is part of the peritoneum, a serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity and covers most of the organs within it.
The lesser omentum is situated between the liver and the stomach. It attaches to the lesser curvature of the stomach and extends upwards to form a double-layered fold that connects with the undersurface of the liver. This fold, known as the hepatogastric ligament, contains blood vessels, lymph nodes, and nerves that supply these organs. The structure also contains fat cells, connective tissue, and a network of blood vessels.
One of the main functions of the lesser omentum is to provide support and maintain the position of the stomach and liver within the abdominal cavity. It also serves as a barrier and protective layer between the liver and other organs of the digestive system, preventing friction and injury. Additionally, the lesser omentum plays a crucial role in the blood supply and lymphatic drainage of the liver and stomach, ensuring their proper functioning.
Understanding the anatomy and function of the lesser omentum is important for medical professionals, particularly surgeons, as it is a vital structure in several surgical procedures involving the liver and stomach.
O. minus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Lesser Omentum" is derived from Latin and has its roots in Greek.
The term "omentum" comes from the Latin word "omentum", which means "great piece of fat". This is because the omentum is a fold of fatty tissue that hangs down in the abdominal cavity.
The word "less" in "Lesser Omentum" indicates its relative smaller size in comparison to the "Greater Omentum", another fold of fatty tissue in the abdomen.
In Greek, the word for "less" is "elasson", and "omentum" in Greek is "epiploon". When combined, "elasson" and "epiploon" give us the term "Lesser Omentum" to describe this smaller fold of fatty tissue in the abdominal cavity.