The paramesenteric gutters (paramesenteric recesses or infracolic spaces) are two
peritoneal recesses – spaces in the
abdominal cavity between the
colon and the
root of the mesentery. There are two paramesenteric gutters; the left paramesenteric gutter and the right paramesenteric gutter.
They are also sometimes, but incorrectly referred to as other
paracolic gutters. Paracolic gutters are recesses between the abdominal wall and the colon.
These gutters are clinically important because they allow a passage for infectious fluids from different compartments of the abdomen.
The right paramesenteric gutter
This space is defined by:
* The
ascending colon and
caecum
The cecum or caecum is a pouch within the peritoneum that is considered to be the beginning of the large intestine. It is typically located on the right side of the body (the same side of the body as the appendix, to which it is joined). The wo ...
laterally (further right).
* The
transverse colon
In human anatomy, the transverse colon is the longest and most movable part of the colon.
Anatomical position
It crosses the abdomen from the ascending colon at the right colic flexure (hepatic flexure) with a downward convexity to the descend ...
superiorly.
* The
root of the mesentery medially.
The left paramesenteric gutter
This space communicates with the pelvic cavity and is defined by:
* The
root of the mesentery medially.
* The
descending colon laterally (further left).
See also
*
Peritoneal recesses
*
Paracolic gutters
References
External links
* - "Abdominal Cavity: Peritoneal Gutters"
{{Abdominopelvic cavity
Abdomen