Descending part of duodenum
Pars descendens duodeni
- Synonym: Second part of duodenum
- Related terms: Descending part (D2); Descending part; Duodenum: Descending part; Duodenum (Descending part); Duodenum - Descending part (D2)
Definition
The descending part (D2) of duodenum is from 7 to 10 cm. long, and extends from the neck of the gall-bladder, on a level with the first lumbar vertebra, along the right side of the vertebral column as low as the upper border of the body of the fourth lumbar vertebra.
It is crossed in its middle third by the transverse colon, the posterior surface of which is uncovered by peritoneum and is connected to the duodenum by a small quantity of connective tissue.
The supra- and infracolic portions are covered in front by peritoneum, the infracolic part by the right leaf of the mesentery.
Posteriorly the descending portion of the duodenum is not covered by peritoneum.
The descending portion is in relation, in front, from above downward, with the duodenal impression on the right lobe of the liver, the transverse colon, and the small intestine; behind, it has a variable relation to the front of the right kidney in the neighborhood of the hilum, and is connected to it by loose areolar tissue; the renal vessels, the inferior vena cava, and the Psoas below, are also behind it. At its medial side is the head of the pancreas, and the common bile duct; to its lateral side is the right colic flexure. The common bile duct and the pancreatic duct together perforate the medial side of this portion of the intestine obliquely some 7 to 10 cm. below the pylorus; the accessory pancreatic duct sometimes pierces it about 2 cm. above and slightly in front of these
