Descending colon

Last revised by Calum Worsley on 30 Mar 2023

The descending colon is the continuation of the transverse colon after the left colic flexure, where the colon loses its mesentery

The descending colon measures up to 25 cm in length and is secondarily retroperitoneal. It descends down attached to the left posterior abdominal wall into the left iliac fossa where it continues as the sigmoid colon. Peritoneum covers the anterior and lateral surfaces. 

Lymphatics travel with vessels to the inferior mesenteric group.

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