Serosa of large intestine
Tunica serosa intestini crassi
- Synonym: Serous coat of large intestine
- Related terms: Serosa; Serous coat
Definition
The serosa of large intestine (serous coat; tunica serosa) is derived from the peritoneum, and invests the different portions of the large intestine to a variable extent.
The cecum is completely covered by the serous membrane, except in about 5% of cases where the upper part of the posterior surface is uncovered.
The ascending, descending, and iliac parts of the colon are usually covered only in front and at the sides; a variable amount of the posterior surface is uncovered.
The transverse colon is almost completely invested, the parts corresponding to the attachment of the greater omentum and transverse mesocolon being alone excepted.
The sigmoid colon is entirely surrounded.
The rectum is covered above on its anterior surface and sides; below, on its anterior aspect only; the anal canal is entirely devoid of any serous covering. In the course of the colon the peritoneal coat is thrown into a number of small pouches filled with fat, called appendices epiploicæ. They are most numerous on the transverse colon.
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