greater omentum [AS, great, large; L, omentum, entrails] , a filmy, transparent double fold of the peritoneum, draping the transverse colon and coils of the small intestine. It is attached along the greater curvature of the stomach and the first part of the duodenum. It is a readily movable structure that spreads easily into areas of trauma, often sealing hernias and walling off infections that would otherwise cause general peritonitis, as can occur from a ruptured vermiform appendix. It also contains fat and keeps the intestines warm. Also called gastrocolic omentum. Compare lesser omentum.
