We have now to consider the additional boundaries of this space contributed by the peritoneal connection of the lesser curvature with the liver.
Fig. 283.—Schema of lines of reflection of peritoneum on dorsal surface of liver and in the formation of the gastro-hepatic omentum. A B, transverse section of lesser omentum attached to transverse fissure of liver and to pyloric section of lesser curvature (A' B'); B C, vertical section of lesser omentum passing between fissure of ductus venosus and cardiac section of lesser curvature of stomach (B' C'); C D, line of reflection of peritoneum from cephalic border of Spigelian lobe to diaphragm; D E, line of reflection of peritoneum from right border of Spigelian lobe to left margin of postcava and diaphragm.
Fig. 284.—Portion of abdominal viscera of adult human subject, hardened in situ. (Columbia University, Study Collection.) The segment of stomach between cardiac and pyloric orifices has been removed, dividing the lesser omentum to this extent, but leaving the right extremity of the membrane (lig. hepato-duodenale) intact. Behind this portion the arrow passes through the foramen of Winslow.
Fig. 285.—Liver and stomach of Macacus pileatus. (Columbia University, Study Collection.)
Fig. 286.—Abdominal viscera of adult human subject, hardened in situ; with liver lifted up after incision of the gastro-hepatic omentum. (Columbia University Museum, No. 1845.)
The lesser omentum follows, of course, along its gastric attachment to the lesser curvature the general direction of the stomach, passing from the cardia transversely downwards and to the right. We distinguish the two layers of the adult membrane as ventral and dorsal, which meet in the free right edge and include between them the main structures entering and leaving the liver at the transverse fissure, viz.: the portal vein, hepatic artery and bile-duct.