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# Taeniae coli

The taeniae coli are three ribbon-like bands of muscle along the colon; they bunch it into pouches and help surgeons tell the colon from the small intestine.

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## What it is

Three ribbons of muscle running along the colon.

## What it does

They meet at the base of the appendix, which helps surgeons find it.

## Key points

- Taeniae, haustra and fatty epiploic appendices tell the colon from the small intestine at surgery; the [appendix](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vermiform-appendix/) and [rectum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/rectum/) have no taeniae
- Names: taenia mesocolica (at the mesocolon attachment), taenia omentalis (where the greater omentum attaches on the transverse colon), taenia libera (free, anterior)
- Diverticula form between the taeniae, where the outer longitudinal muscle is thin and vessels pierce the circular layer

## Key facts

**Where**
Three bands of longitudinal muscle on [cecum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cecum/) and colon (mesocolic, omental, free taenia); absent on appendix and rectum

**Attaches**
Converge at base of appendix; spread into a continuous longitudinal layer at rectosigmoid junction

**Function**
Shorter than the colon wall, so they gather it into haustra; followed to the cecum to locate the appendix

## Relations

**In front**
Taenia libera on the ascending, descending and [sigmoid colon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sigmoid-colon/); on the [transverse colon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/transverse-colon/) it lies on the inferior surface

**Behind**
Taenia mesocolica, along the attachment of the transverse and sigmoid [mesocolon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/mesocolon/) and the fused mesocolon of the ascending and [descending colon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/descending-colon/)

**Above**
Taenia omentalis on the transverse colon, where the [greater omentum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/greater-omentum/) attaches; on the ascending and descending colon it lies posterolaterally

## How to find it

Seen at operation as pale, flat ribbons on the colon. At appendectomy the taenia libera is traced down the cecum to the base of the appendix, even when the tip is hidden behind the cecum.

## On imaging

Barium enema and CT show the haustral pattern the taeniae create, with folds that only partly cross the lumen; the haustra are lost in long-standing ulcerative colitis.

## Common problems

- Colon polyps and colorectal cancer: screening finds them early.
- Diverticular disease and diverticulitis (usually sigmoid).
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease.

## How it is diagnosed

Colonoscopy; CT; stool tests for screening.

## Treatment

- Polyps removed during colonoscopy; surgery (colectomy) for cancer or complicated disease.

## Clinical notes

- The point where the taeniae spread out marks the rectosigmoid junction, which surgeons use to define where the rectum starts
- In sigmoid diverticular disease the taeniae and circular muscle thicken, shortening and narrowing the segment

## Related conditions

- [Diverticular disease and diverticulitis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/diverticular-disease-and-diverticulitis/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which features tell the colon from the small intestine at surgery?

Taeniae coli, haustra and fatty epiploic appendices; the appendix and rectum have no taeniae.

## How do the taeniae coli help locate the appendix?

They converge on the cecum at the base of the appendix; the taenia libera is traced down even when the tip is hidden.

## What does the spreading out of the taeniae coli mark?

The rectosigmoid junction, where they form a continuous longitudinal layer; surgeons use it to define where the rectum starts.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
taeniae coli TA2 2993

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Tenias del colon

**English (TA2)**
Taeniae coli

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Large Intestine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470577/).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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