Inferior duodenal flexure - Digestive system - Stomach - e-Anatomy
View the module

Inferior duodenal flexure

Flexura inferior duodeni

  • Latin synonym: Flexura duodeni inferior

Definition

Antoine Micheau & Muhammad A. Javaid

The inferior duodenal flexure is the bend that marks the junction between the descending (second) part and the horizontal (third) part of the duodenum. It is situated on the right side of the vertebral column at approximately the level of the upper border of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4). At this point, the descending duodenum turns medially and crosses the midline as the horizontal part of the duodenum.

Anatomical relations

The inferior duodenal flexure lies inferior to the head of the pancreas and is closely related to the right psoas major muscle, inferior vena cava, and the lower pole of the right kidney.

Is this definition incorrect or incomplete?

References

  • Omole AE, Gogna S, KhorasaniZadeh A. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Duodenum. [Updated 2026 Jan 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482390/

  • Standring, S. (2015) Grays Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. London: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Chapter 65, Small intestine.

  • Ocasio Quinones GA, Woolf A. Duodenal Ulcer. [Updated 2023 Apr 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557390/

  • Earth's Lab (n.d.) Gallbladder. Available at: https://www.earthslab.com/anatomy/gallbladder/ (Accessed: 12 June 2026)

Gallery