CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

The ligament of Treitz suspends which part of the gastrointestinal tract?

1. Transverse colon

2. Duodenum

3. Stomach

4. Jejunum

The correct answer is: Duodenum

The ligament of Treitz, also known as the suspensory ligament of the duodenum, plays a crucial role in the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a fibromuscular band that originates from the connective tissue surrounding the diaphragm and extends to the duodenum, specifically at the junction where the duodenum meets the jejunum. This ligament supports the duodenum in its anatomical position and helps maintain the correct alignment of the bowel structure, which is significant for the proper functioning of the digestive system. Understanding this anatomical relationship highlights the ligament's importance in both surgical and diagnostic contexts within the gastrointestinal tract. The other options represent different structures within the gastrointestinal system, but they are not directly associated with the ligament of Treitz. The transverse colon is part of the large intestine, the stomach is involved in the initial phase of digestion, and the jejunum is the section of the small intestine that follows the duodenum, making them irrelevant to the specific function and location of the ligament of Treitz.