Investigation of Development, Structure and Function of the Phrenicocolic and Duodenal Suspensory Ligaments

The development and structure of the duodenal suspensory ligament and the phrenicocolic ligament were studied in the human fetus, newborn and adult. The observations presented show that the superior retention band is transformed into the suspensory ligament of the duodenum. Within this ligament the muscle of Treitz develops. The inferior retention band atrophies. A new ligament, the phrenicocolic ligament, is formed in the fetal period of life. In this ligament, smooth muscle cells develop. The possible functions of the suspensory ligament of the duodenum and the phrenicocolic ligament are discussed.