Cat ClipartCat Dissection Atlas
Digestive System

This site contains graphic photographs of dissected cats.
It is intended as a dissection guide for use by anatomy students.

Orientation
Integumentary System
Muscular System
Heart
Circulatory System
Respiratory System
Nervous System
Urinary System
Digestive System
Reproductive System

 

Digestive System Photographs
The Greater Omentum
The Mesentary
The Root of the Mesentary
Picture 4
Picture 5
Systems Index

 

The Greater Omentum

 
Photograph that shows the omentum, with large quantites of fat deposits

This structure, the greater omentum, is the first structure seen when the abdomen of the cat is opened. It consists of a double layer of peritoneum that is avascular but contains a large quanity of fat deposits and it rests atop the abdominal organs. In this photograph the students have elevated it out of the abdominal cavity and spread it, so that its structure can be seen.

In situ, the greater omentum extends from the greater curvature of the stomach to the dorsal body wall. From this attachment it hangs like an apron to the pelvic region.

.Picture taken by L. Miller
March, 2006 ©L. Miller

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The Mesentary  
Photograph showing the mesentary embedded with braches of the superior mesenteric artery

The omentum has been removed to expose the contents of the abdomen. The stomach is seen towards the bottom of the photograph, and the students are holding the small intestine away from the abdominal cavity. The mesentary is apparent as it arises from its attachment, or root, on the dorsal body wall. It consists of a layer of thin, flattened cells called mesothelial cells. The layer wraps the wall of the small intestine, forming its serosa, and folding back on itself forming the visceral peritoneum. It is apparent in this photograph that it carries branches of the superior mesentaric artery to the wall of small intestine. What is not visible is that it also carries veins, nerves and lymphatics to the small intestine.

.Picture taken by L. Miller
March, 2006 ©L. Miller

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The Root of the Mesentary  

A second photograph of the mesentary shows clearly the root of the mesentary

This second photograph of the mesentary shows it clearly in relationship to its root, or attachment to the dorsal body wall. The relationship to the stomach and liver are apparent and the remnants of the greater omentum can be seen.

 

Picture taken by L. Miller
March, 2006 ©L. Miller

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Picture 4 Back to reproductive pictures index
   
Picture 5 Back to reproductive pictures index

 

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Last Updated: December 1, 2006
Author: Lucinda K. Miller
©2006 L. K. Miller