Omental tenia

The omental taenia (taenia omentalis) is one of the three longitudinal bands of smooth muscle, collectively known as the taeniae coli, that run along the external surface of the colon. It is located along the anterolateral aspect of the ascending colon, descending colon, and transverse colon.

Its name is derived from its association with the greater omentum, which attaches to the transverse colon along this taenia. In the transverse colon, the omental taenia serves as the line of attachment of the greater omentum, whereas in the ascending and descending colon it remains identifiable as one of the three longitudinal muscle bands despite the absence of omental attachment.

The other two taeniae coli are the taenia libera (the free longitudinal band with no peritoneal attachment) and the taenia mesocolica (the longitudinal band corresponding to the attachment of the mesocolon).

Clinical correlate

The three taeniae coli can be followed along the colon to the base of the vermiform appendix, where they converge. This anatomical relationship provides an important surgical landmark for locating the appendix during appendicectomy and abdominal exploration.