Latin bursa omentalis TA A10.1.02.402 | MeSH A01.047.025.600.678 FMA 19800 | |
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The lesser sac, also known as the omental bursa, is the cavity in the abdomen that is formed by the lesser and greater omentum. Usually found in mammals, it is connected with the greater sac via the omental foramen (previously known as the Foramen of Winslow). In mammals, it is not uncommon for the lesser sac to contain considerable amounts of fat.
Anatomic margins
Anterior margin, named from the top to bottom margin:
Quadrate lobe of the liver, lesser omentum, stomach, gastrocolic ligament
Medial margin, named from the most anterior to the most posterior margin:
Gastrosplenic ligament, spleen, phrenicosplenic ligament
Posterior margin:
Left kidney and adrenal gland, pancreas
Inferior margin:
Greater omentum
Superior margin:
Liver
If any of the marginal structures rupture their contents could leak into the lesser sac. If the stomach were to rupture on its anterior side though the leak would collect in the greater sac.
The lesser sac is formed during embryogenesis from an infolding of the greater omentum. The open end of the infolding, known as the omental foramen is usually close to the stomach.