Right colic flexure

The right colic flexure (also known as the hepatic flexure in human anatomy) is an anatomical feature of the large intestine, specifically found in domestic animals such as horses, ruminants, pigs, dogs, and cats. It is the junction between the ascending colon and the transverse colon, and it is typically located in the cranial right abdomen, near the right hypochondrium, in proximity to the liver.

Species-Specific Notes

• Horse: In the horse, the ascending colon is highly modified and divided into multiple parts (e.g., right ventral colon, left ventral colon, etc.). The right colic flexure is the sharp bend where the right dorsal colon turns into the transverse colon, situated near the base of the caecum and the diaphragm.

• Ruminants (e.g., cattle, sheep): The colon forms a spiral loop. The right colic flexure is less distinct but can be understood as the transition point between the ascending colon's last centrifugal coil and the start of the transverse colon.

• Dogs and Cats: The flexure is less prominent due to the relatively straight configuration of the large bowel, but it is still anatomically present as the bend from the ascending colon to the transverse colon.

• Pigs: Similar to ruminants, the colon forms a spiral loop. The right colic flexure is where the ascending colon transitions to the transverse colon, often adjacent to the liver.

Functional Significance

• The flexure serves as a transition zone for digesta moving from the ascending colon (site of fermentation and absorption) to the transverse colon, and later to the descending colon and rectum.

• Its anatomical positioning helps maintain the integrity of intestinal loops within the abdominal cavity and provides a landmark during surgical and imaging procedures.