Lesser sac

Lesser sac (omental bursa), its recesses

Introduction

The omental bursa, also known as the lesser sac, is a cavity located within the abdomen. It is formed by the greater and lesser omentum, as well as the surrounding organs. This space is separate from the main cavity of the abdomen, known as the greater sac. The omental bursa communicates with the greater sac through an opening called the epiploic foramen of Winslow. This foramen serves as a passage between the two sacs, allowing fluid and other substances to move between them.

lesser sac

Borders

The boundaries of the omental bursa, or lesser sac, are defined by specific structures:

• Anteriorly, it is bordered by the quadrate lobe of the liver, the gastrocolic ligament, and the lesser omentum.
• On the left side, its boundary is marked by the left kidney and the left adrenal gland.
• Posteriorly, it is enclosed by the pancreas.
• To the right, it is delimited by the presence of the epiploic foramen and the lesser omentum, which separates it from the greater sac.

Recesses

▪ Superior recess – bordered by diaphragm and coronary ligament of liver

▪ Inferior recess – between folding layers of greater omentum

▪ Splenic recess – between left splenic ligaments and stomach

References

• HUDÁK, Radovan – KACHLÍK, David. Memorix anatomie. 2. edition. Triton, 2013. ISBN 978-80-7387-712-5.