Light and electron microscopy of the human hepato-duodenal ligament: a morpho-functional study

The morpho-functional relationships between the hepato-duodenal ligament and the superior part of the duodenum are analysed. Twenty-four specimens were removed during necropsies of adults and prepared according to various mesoscopic, microscopic, and ultramicroscopical methods, i.e., whole-mounts, membrane preparations, thick and thin histological sections, and polarized light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy were employed. The hepato-duodenal ligament is formed by longitudinally elongated, type I collagen fiber bundles which are interlinked by more delicate bundles of type III collagen fibers. Longitudinally disposed elastic fibers are the principal component of the elastic fiber system of the ligament. These are in continuity with the elaunin and oxytalan fibers which are intermingled with the muscle cells of the vessels and duodenal wall, and fat cells of the ligament. Part of the muscle bundles of the external, longitudinal, muscle layer of the duodenum is anchored in the adventitial and subserosal collagen and elastic fiber framework of the organ while part inserts directly into the fibrous framework of the ligament. The fibrous system of the ligament is continuous with that of the subserosa and adventitia of the duodenum.