Duodenojejunal flexure


The duodenojejunal flexure or duodenojejunal junction is the border between the duodenum and the jejunum.

Structure

The ascending portion of the duodenum ascends on the left side of the aorta, as far as the level of the upper border of the second lumbar vertebra, where it turns abruptly forward to become the jejunum, forming the duodenojejunal flexure. The duodenojejunal flexure is surrounded by the suspensory muscle of the duodenum.
It lies in front of the left Psoas major and left renal vessels, and is covered in front, and partly at the sides, by peritoneum continuous with the left portion of the mesentery.

Clinical relevance

The ligament of Treitz, a peritoneal fold, from the right crus of diaphragm, is an identification point for the duodenojejunal flexure at operation.

Additional images