Omental foramen
Foramen omentale
- Latin synonym: Foramen epiploicum
- Synonym: Epiploic foramen
- Latin eponym: Foramen Winslowi
- Eponym: Foramen of Winslow
- Related terms: Omental foramen; Epiploic foramen
Definition
The omental foramen (epiploic foramen; foramen of Winslow) is the passage of communication between the general cavity and the omental bursa. It is bounded by:
In front by the free border of the lesser omentum, with the common bile duct, hepatic artery, and portal vein between its two layers;
Behind by the peritoneum covering the inferior vena cava;
Above by the peritoneum on the caudate process of the liver
Below by the peritoneum covering the commencement of the duodenum and the hepatic artery, the latter passing forward below the foramen before ascending between the two layers of the lesser omentum.
References
