Organ
Teniae coli
Longitudinal muscle concentrated into three bands
High-yield
Convergence of the three bands marks the appendiceal base, a more dependable anatomical relationship than the highly variable position of the tip.
Overview
Most of the colon gathers its outer longitudinal smooth muscle into three taeniae. Their tone, circular muscle activity and wall structure contribute to the sacculated appearance. The bands spread into a continuous outer coat at the rectum.
Reference facts
- Location
- Follow the cecum and colon to the rectosigmoid region; appendix and rectum have a continuous longitudinal layer instead of three distinct bands.
- Parts
- Taenia mesocolica relates to mesocolic attachment, taenia omentalis to greater-omental attachment, and taenia libera is the unattached band.
- Blood supply
- Supplied by the vessels of their colonic segment, including mural branches from the vasa recta.
- Relations
- Epiploic appendages arise near the bands, with distribution differing among segments.
- Function
- Contribute to shortening and coordinated mixing and propulsion; muscle tone helps maintain haustral form.
Clinical correlation
The rectum lacks typical colonic haustra as its longitudinal muscle becomes continuous. Chronic colitis can also reduce the haustral pattern and produce a smooth appearance on imaging.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the teniae coli located?
Follow the cecum and colon to the rectosigmoid region; appendix and rectum have a continuous longitudinal layer instead of three distinct bands.
What does the teniae coli do?
Contribute to shortening and coordinated mixing and propulsion; muscle tone helps maintain haustral form.
What are the parts of the teniae coli?
Taenia mesocolica relates to mesocolic attachment, taenia omentalis to greater-omental attachment, and taenia libera is the unattached band.
What is the blood supply of the teniae coli?
The teniae coli is supplied by the supplied by the vessels of their colonic segment, including mural branches from the vasa recta.