The taeniae coli are three narrow ribbons of longitudinal smooth muscle running along the caecum and colon, formed where the outer muscle layer is gathered into bands. They are named the free taenia, the mesocolic taenia and the omental taenia. All three meet at the base of the appendix and spread out at the rectosigmoid junction to form a continuous layer over the rectum.
| Location | Outer surface of the caecum and colon, ending at the rectosigmoid junction |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Enteric nervous system; Autonomic supply of the colon (vagus, pelvic splanchnic and mesenteric plexuses) |
Shorten and segment the colon to mix and slowly move its contents, and gather the colon into haustra.
Following the taeniae down the caecum leads the surgeon to the base of the appendix, however hidden its tip. Because the taeniae are shorter than the colon wall, they pucker it into haustra. Diverticula tend to form in the rows between the taeniae where blood vessels pierce the wall.
Pouches of mucosa pushing through weak points in the colon wall between the taeniae where vessels enter, common with age and low-fibre diets.
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