The lesser sac (omental bursa) communicates with the greater peritoneal cavity through which opening, and what structures form its boundaries?

• A Epiploic foramen of Winslow — anteriorly lesser omentum, posteriorly aorta, superiorly diaphragm, inferiorly transverse colon
• B Epiploic foramen of Winslow — anteriorly hepatoduodenal ligament (portal triad), posteriorly IVC, superiorly caudate lobe of liver, inferiorly first part of duodenum ✓
• C Hiatus of Winslow — bounded by stomach anteriorly, spleen posteriorly
• D Through the lesser omentum directly — no foramen exists

Explanation

The epiploic foramen (foramen of Winslow) is the only communication between the lesser sac and the greater peritoneal cavity. Its boundaries are: anteriorly the hepatoduodenal ligament (containing portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile duct — the portal triad); posteriorly the inferior vena cava; superiorly the caudate lobe of the liver; inferiorly the first part of the duodenum. In hemorrhagic pancreatitis, blood may collect in the lesser sac. The finger of the surgeon placed here in hepatic trauma controls the portal triad (Pringle maneuver).

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.