Transverse Colon

Colon transversum is the Latin pronunciation for Transverse Colon. Transverse colon is the major and most movable part of the Colon.

ANATOMY

It is a direct continuation of Ascending Colon, where it starts at the Hepatic or Right Colic Flexure (sharp bend between Ascending and Transverse Colon) with its downward part convexing towards the Descending Colon. Then below the spleen it sharply bends on itself forming Splenic or Left Colic Flexure (sharp bend between Transverse and descending Colon). In its path it is like an arch which directed backwards and upwards concavely. In its Splenic end there is usually a U-shaped bend which goes lower than the main curve. It is completely lined with Peritoneum (Serous membrane forming lining of Abdominal Cavity). It is connected with border of Pancreas by a large and wide membrane called the Transverse Mesocolon.

RELATION WITH OTHER ORGANS

It is in relation with Liver, Gallbladder, and Greater Curvature of stomach and Lower end of the Spleen. Its under surface is in relation with Small Intestine. Its anterior surface is in relation with anterior layers of Greater Omentum (apron like fold of Visceral Peritoneum) and Abdominal Wall. The posterior surface is in relation with downward portion of Duodenum, head of Pancreas and some of it with Jejunum (middle section of small Intestine) and Ileum (final section of small intestine).

BLOOD SUPPLY

The initial (proximal) two-thirds of Transverse colon is supplied by Middle Colic Artery, a branch of Superior Mesenteric artery (SMA). The later (distal) third is supplied by branches of Inferior Mesenteric Arteries (IMA). The Watershed area between these blood supplies is an area sensitive to Ischemia (restriction of blood supply in tissues).

Veins are also corresponded to the arteries. Proximal two third drain into Superior Mesenteric Vein and the distal third drain into Inferior Mesenteric Vein.

LYMPH DRAINAGE

Like the blood supply Lymph drainage is also divided into two parts. The lymph from proximal two thirds drains through Colic Nodes into the Superior Mesenteric Nodes whereas the distal third drains through Colic Nodes into the Inferior Mesenteric Nodes.

INNERVATION

The Transverse Colon proximal two thirds regions are innervated by Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nerves arising from Superior Mesenteric Plexus. The remaining distal third region is innervated by Sympathetic and Parasympathetic fibers of Inferior Mesenteric Plexus.

FUNCTION

It absorbs nutrients from the food consumed. It also helps in stabilizing fluid levels and prepares the expulsion of waste. In this part the food remains for a long time to extract nutrients while working with other portions of digestive system.

DISEASES

Transverse colon is also like all other parts are exposed to Tumors and onset of Cancer. These cancers are also followed by growths which can be surgically removed.