The epiploic foramen (foramen of Winslow) is the communication between the greater and lesser peritoneal sacs. Its posterior boundary is formed by:

• A Inferior vena cava covered by peritoneum ✓
• B Portal vein
• C Abdominal aorta
• D Right kidney

Explanation

The epiploic foramen (foramen of Winslow) has: anterior boundary — the free edge of the lesser omentum (hepatoduodenal ligament, containing portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile duct); superior boundary — the caudate lobe of the liver; inferior boundary — the first part of the duodenum; posterior boundary — the inferior vena cava covered by parietal peritoneum. In abdominal trauma, blood can accumulate in the lesser sac through this foramen. In epiploic foramen herniation, bowel passes through this opening and becomes incarcerated — the IVC as the posterior boundary limits any compression manoeuvre.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.