Puneet Varma (Editor)

Paramesenteric gutters

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Paramesenteric gutters

The paramesenteric gutters (paramesenteric recesses, infracolic spaces) are two spaces (or recesses) 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.

Contents

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 laterally (further right).
  • The transverse colon 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).

    • References

    Paramesenteric gutters Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA