Flexure

Flexure is a term used in anatomy and medicine to describe a bend or fold in certain structures of the body. The term is often used to refer to parts of the digestive system, such as the hepatic flexure and the splenic flexure of the colon.

Anatomy

In the human body, there are several important flexures, including:

• Hepatic flexure: Also known as the right colic flexure, it is the sharp bend between the transverse colon and the ascending colon.
• Splenic flexure: Also known as the left colic flexure, it is the sharp bend between the transverse colon and the descending colon.
• Dural flexure: A fold in the dura mater, one of the layers of the meninges that cover the brain and spinal cord.
• Flexure of the elbow: The bend in the elbow where the humerus meets the radius and ulna.

Clinical significance

Flexures are important in medical practice as they can be sites of disease or injury. For example, the hepatic and splenic flexures of the colon are common sites of colorectal cancer. In addition, the flexure of the elbow is a common site of injury, such as elbow dislocation or fracture.

See also

• Anatomy
• Digestive system
• Colon
• Elbow

References

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