The transverse colon is the longest and most mobile part of the colon, about 45-50 cm, crossing the abdomen from the right to the left colic flexure. It hangs on the transverse mesocolon, so its middle often droops well below the umbilicus, sometimes into the pelvis. The greater omentum is attached along its front through the gastrocolic ligament.
| Location | Crosses the upper abdomen from the right colic flexure to the left colic flexure, hanging below the stomach on the transverse mesocolon |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Vagus nerve (proximal two-thirds); Pelvic splanchnic nerves (distal third); Superior and inferior mesenteric plexuses (sympathetic) |
| Blood Supply | Middle colic artery; Branches of the right and left colic arteries; Marginal artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Absorbs water and electrolytes and carries contents from the right to the left side of the colon.
Its proximal two-thirds belongs to the midgut and its distal third to the hindgut, which is reflected in its blood and nerve supply. In severe colitis it is the part most often seen to dilate on X-ray in toxic megacolon. Its variable position matters when placing a percutaneous gastrostomy, as a loop can lie in front of the stomach.
Acute dilatation of the colon, typically the transverse colon, in severe colitis, with systemic toxicity and high risk of perforation.
Colon cancer in the transverse segment, which may invade the stomach or greater omentum.
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