Lesser Omentum, Anterior View

Description

Anterior abdominal exposure centers on the lesser omentum (epiploon minus) extending from the visceral surface of the liver to the lesser curvature of the stomach and proximal duodenum. The hepatogastric ligament forms the broad, thin sheet between liver and stomach, while the thicker hepatoduodenal ligament lies to the right, running inferiorly toward the first part of the duodenum and marking the anterior border of the epiploic foramen. Superiorly, the left lobe of the liver overhangs the gastric fundus and abdominal esophagus; posterior to the stomach, the pancreas sits retroperitoneally, with the spleen lateral to the gastric body and the transverse colon framing coils of small intestine inferiorly. Kidneys remain posterior in the upper abdomen, partially obscured by peritoneal reflections. This anterior perspective matters because the lesser omentum is the operative gateway to the supramesocolic compartment and the porta hepatis, and it sets the boundary between the greater and lesser sacs. Surgeons use the hepatoduodenal ligament for the Pringle maneuver, compressing the portal triad (proper hepatic artery, portal vein, common bile duct) to control hepatic bleeding, and the epiploic foramen becomes a real hazard when inflammation or adhesions distort the omental bursa. Short and clear. You can also read this view as a roadmap for spread of peptic ulcer disease, with posterior gastric or duodenal ulcers threatening the pancreas and gastroduodenal artery just behind the lesser curvature region. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and surgical anatomy teaching on peritoneal folds, the lesser sac, and hepatic hilum relations, or in hepatobiliary, upper GI, and trauma publications discussing access routes and vascular control. It also supports patient-facing education on gallbladder and stomach procedures where the liver-stomach connection is frequently misunderstood. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.