CorpusHuman Anatomy
DigestiveMembrane

Lesser omentum

Omentum minus

Also known as: hepatogastric ligament, hepatoduodenal ligament

The lesser omentum is a double layer of peritoneum joining the lesser curvature of the stomach and the first part of the duodenum to the liver. Its thickened free right edge carries the portal triad.

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Overview

The lesser omentum runs from the lesser curvature of the stomach and the first 2 cm of the duodenum to the fissure for the ligamentum venosum and the porta hepatis of the liver. It has two parts. The thin, lace-like hepatogastric ligament contains the right and left gastric vessels along the lesser curvature, gastric lymph nodes and vagal (hepatic) branches; in some people it also carries an accessory or replaced left hepatic artery from the left gastric. The thick hepatoduodenal ligament forms the free right edge and contains the portal triad: the bile duct (anterior right), hepatic artery proper (anterior left) and hepatic portal vein (posterior), together with lymphatics and the hepatic nerve plexus.

The free edge forms the anterior boundary of the omental foramen, the opening into the lesser sac.

Location

Between the liver above and the lesser curvature of the stomach and first part of the duodenum below. It forms part of the anterior wall of the lesser sac.

Parts & subdivisions

  1. Hepatogastric ligament
    Medial part to the lesser curvature, with the left and right gastric vessels.
  2. Hepatoduodenal ligament
    Free right edge, containing the portal triad (bile duct, hepatic artery proper, portal vein).

Anatomy

Development

Derived from the ventral mesogastrium, the ventral mesentery of the foregut, into which the liver grows.

Function

  • Carries vessels, ducts and nerves between the liver and the gut.
  • Forms the anterior wall of the lesser sac.

Clinical significance

Pringle manoeuvre

Compressing the hepatoduodenal ligament between finger and thumb (finger in the omental foramen) occludes hepatic arterial and portal inflow. It is used to control haemorrhage during liver trauma or resection. Bleeding that continues suggests a hepatic vein or retrohepatic IVC source.

Surgical access and lymphatic spread

Opening the lesser omentum gives access to the lesser sac and coeliac axis. Gastric cancers of the lesser curvature spread to nodes along the left gastric vessels within it.

Test yourself

The portal triad in the free edge of the lesser omentum lies in which ligament?
  1. Hepatogastric ligament
  2. Hepatoduodenal ligament
  3. Falciform ligament
  4. Gastrosplenic ligament

Answer: Hepatoduodenal ligament

The hepatoduodenal ligament carries the bile duct (anterior right), the hepatic artery proper (anterior left) and the portal vein (posterior). It forms the anterior boundary of the omental foramen and is clamped in the Pringle manoeuvre.

More digestive system questions

Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Digestive System sources. For education only; not medical advice.