The omentum as fatty tissue that insulates the abdominal organs

The omentum is a membranous double layer of fatty tissue that covers and supports the intestines and organs in the lower abdominal area. The omentum is made up of the greater omentum which is an important storage for fat deposits and the lesser omentum which connects the stomach and intestines to the liver.

Milky spots on the greater omentum contain white blood cells that assist immunity by removing cellular debris.

Visceral fat and related health risks

Fat deposited in the omentum makes up a part of the visceral fat; the rest of the visceral fat is deeply embedded between organs. Excess visceral fat deposits in the abdominal area give rise to central obesity. A body with a protruding belly is termed "apple shaped". It is distinct from a "pear shaped" body in which the fat is deposited around the hips and thighs and is subcutaneous fat. An apple shaped body is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome or syndrome X, disorders that can lead to metabolic disturbances and increased risk of cardiovascular disease as well as type 2 diabetes. Complications include kidney and liver disease.

Visceral fat as an endocrine like organ

Abdominal fat cells can be treated as active endocrine organs that produce hormones. An excess of abdominal fat disrupts the functioning of the hormones. The fat cells release chemicals such as cytokines and interleukin-6 that add to the risk of heart diseases. They also have a harmful effect on blood pressure and the blood's clotting ability. High amount of visceral fat in the body leads to increased LDL or bad cholesterol and a decrease in HDL or good cholesterol. It also results in insulin resistance whereby blood glucose levels rise. This can lead to diabetes.

Risk factors for visceral fat and Syndrome X

Diet, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, and hormonal changes contribute to fat accumulation in the abdominal region. Tests to establish syndrome X include measuring blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Health benefits of the reduction of abdominal fat

Weight reduction is the ultimate objective of any treatment procedure adopted to tackle metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle changes, medicine, and surgery are the treatment options available in order to reduce weight so that the risk of heart disease and diabetes can be brought down.

Anatomical Structure: 
Omentum
Speciality Classification: 
Surgical
Medical Entity Classification: 
MedicalCode
MeSH Identifier: 
A01.923.047.025.600.573
National Library of Medicine: 
MeSH
Medical Audience: 
Patient
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  • Pancreas

    The pancreas is a gland that is a part of the digestive system as well as a hormone system that regulates sugar.

  • Gallbladder

    The concentrated bile stored in the gallbladder is released when fatty foods enter the small intestine.

  • Stomach

    The stomach is a muscular sac that is important for absoring food and preparing food for further digestion

  • Liver

    The liver produces bile and is the first stop for the majority of the nutrients that are absorbed during digestion.

  • Omentum

    The omentum is another word for the fatty layer that surrounds your internal organs.

  • Intestine

    The small intestine is the location in the body where the majority of the nutrients from ingested food are absorbed.

  • Duodenum

    The duodenum plays an important role in regulating the emptying of stomach contents into the rest of the small intestine.