Epiploic appendix

(Redirected from Omental appendices)

The epiploic appendices (or appendices epiploicae, or epiploic appendages, or appendix epiploica, or omental appendices) are small pouches of the peritoneum filled with fat and situated along the colon, but are absent in the rectum.

Epiploic appendix
Iliac colon, sigmoid or pelvic colon, and rectum seen from the front, after removal of pubic bones and bladder. (Lumps of fat visible at right.)
Female pelvis and its contents, seen from above and in front. (Lumps of fat visible at right.)
Details
Identifiers
Latinappendices epiploicae
TA98A05.7.03.010
TA22990
FMA76481
Anatomical terminology

They are chiefly appended to the transverse and sigmoid parts of the colon, however, their function is unknown.

The appendages can become inflamed in a painful process known as epiploic appendagitis which can mimic acute appendicitis and other conditions.

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"Michael Sand et al. : Epiploic appendagitis – clinical characteristics of an uncommon surgical diagnosis BMC Surgery 2007, 7:11 (1 July 2007)".