Taeniae coli

Teniae coli
Iliac colon, sigmoid or pelvic colon, and rectum seen from the front, after removal of pubic bones and bladder. (Tænia coli not labeled, but visible at center.)
Female pelvis and its contents, seen from above and in front. (Taenia coli not labeled, but visible at right.)
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Taeniae coli
TA	A05.7.03.013
FMA	76487
Anatomical terminology []

The teniae coli (also taeniae coli) are three separate longitudinal ribbons of smooth muscle on the outside of the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid colons. They are visible and can be seen just below the serosa or fibrosa. There are three teniae coli: mesocolic, free and omental taeniae coli. The teniae coli contract lengthwise to produce the haustra, the bulges in the colon.

The bands converge at the root of the vermiform appendix. At the rectosigmoid junction, the taeniae spread out and unite to form the longitudinal muscle layer. These bands correspond to the outer layer of the muscularis externa, in other portions of the digestive tract.

The teniae coli are regulated by the sacral nerves of the spinal cord, which are under control of the parasympathetic nervous system.