[The vascular network of the subserous layer of the colon in man]

The subserous layer of the colon has, like the small intestine, a rich vascular network. The subserous arteries arise from the straight arteries and are directed towards the taeniae, the surface and free margin of the colon. They terminate at various levels and, by their collateral and terminal branches, form an anastomotic network of vessels whose morphology varies at the level of surface, taenia and the free margin of the colon. From this subserous arterial network arise branches destined to vascularise the muscularis, the fat of the colon and the greater omentum. The subserous venous network copies closely the morphology of the arterial network and is connected by large perforating veins to the submucous venous network.