[The arterial system of the greater omentum]

Abstract

The aim of our study is to establish a pattern of distribution of the arteries of greater omentum. Right omental arteries supply the anterior lamina and the left ones the posterior lamina (in 82% there is an initial independent left-right distribution). In 18% it is mixed, the two territories being supplied by both anterior and posterior omental arteries. The classic pattern with three main arterial arches (one infra-gastric and two inferior marginal) was identified in 24% cases. More frequent (45%) is the pattern with two transverse main arteries, one superior and the other inferior (with a variable number of intermediate arteries). In 51% cases the infra-colic arch is dominant; in 14% cases it is thinner. The absence of arterial arches may be partly substituted by a dense capillary network. The laminar arterial distribution of greater omentum was expressed into more patterns.