Ligament
Suspensory muscle of the duodenum
A variable support at the duodenojejunal junction
High-yield
The duodenojejunal junction is the traditional boundary for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Stool color alone cannot reliably determine which side is bleeding.
Overview
The suspensory apparatus commonly called the ligament of Treitz links the duodenojejunal region to tissue around upper abdominal vessels and the diaphragm. Fibrous, smooth-muscle and striated-muscle elements contribute in variable proportions.
Reference facts
- Attachments
- Superior attachments occur near the right crus and connective tissue around celiac and superior mesenteric origins; inferior fibers reach the fourth duodenal part and duodenojejunal flexure.
- Function
- Helps stabilize the duodenojejunal junction. Its muscular component may influence the angle, although anatomy and prominence vary.
- Clinical point
- Useful for locating the transition into jejunum and the traditional upper-bleeding boundary. Brisk proximal bleeding can cause hematochezia, while some more distal bleeding can cause melena.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the suspensory muscle of the duodenum attach?
Superior attachments occur near the right crus and connective tissue around celiac and superior mesenteric origins; inferior fibers reach the fourth duodenal part and duodenojejunal flexure.
What does the suspensory muscle of the duodenum do?
Helps stabilize the duodenojejunal junction. Its muscular component may influence the angle, although anatomy and prominence vary.
Why does the suspensory muscle of the duodenum matter clinically?
Useful for locating the transition into jejunum and the traditional upper-bleeding boundary. Brisk proximal bleeding can cause hematochezia, while some more distal bleeding can cause melena.