Case

During an abdominal surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, your index finger is placed into the epiploic foramen. 

Question 3/4 - What is directly inferior to your finger?

Click on your selected option(s) below  (correct = 1, over-thinking = 2+)

Correct! The hepatoduodenal ligament which forms the epiploic foramen leads from the liver to the duodenum. Thus, the inferior aspect of the epiploic foramen is at the initial region duodenum (1st and 2nd parts).

Incorrect. The transverse colon runs along the posterior side of the greater omentum. The greater omentum starts at the greater curvature of the stomach, hangs inferiorly, then folds back to contact the transverse colon. The mesentary of the transverse colon then connects to the posterior wall. This positions the transverse colon more inferior than the epiploic foramen.

Incorrect. The colic flexures are against the lateral walls of the abdominal cavity, so the right colic flexure is lateral to the location of the epiploic foramen.

Incorrect. While the right kidney is inferior to the epiploic foramen, it is more distant thus not directly inferior.

Incorrect. The gallbladder is more anterior and lateral than the epiploic foramen. The gallbladder is linked to the hepatoduodenal ligament as the cystic duct and artery arise from the vessels of the portal triad located within the hepatoduodenal ligament.

Incorrect. The spleen is on the left side, so quite distant to the epiploic foramen.