Inclusive Anatomy
Historical Timeline
1800
1853
Wenzel Trietz
Wenzel Treitz described the suspensory ligament of the duodenum while studying internal intestinal herniation and peritoneal folds at the duodenojejunal junction.[3]
Late 19th Century
Anatomical Textbooks
The structure became widely known as the ligament of Treitz, and its description was incorporated into anatomical and surgical texts as a key landmark of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
20th-21st
Centuries
Cadaveric Study
Advances in imaging and cadaveric study prompted reevaluation of the ligament’s structure and mechanical function, leading to updated interpretations of its role in duodenal support and motility.[1]
Present
Eponym:
The suspensory ligament of the duodenum is eponymously named after Wenzel Treitz (1819–1872), an Austrian physician and professor of anatomy and pathology. Treitz was born in Hostomice, in what is now the Czech Republic, and studied medicine at the Karl-Ferdinand University in Prague.[2] He later pursued advanced training in Vienna, focusing on pathological anatomy.
In 1853, Treitz published his observations on internal herniation and peritoneal anatomy, in which he described the fibromuscular structure at the duodenojejunal junction that now bears his name. His work emphasized its relevance to intestinal obstruction and abdominal pathology, contributing to its lasting importance in surgical anatomy.[3]
Scientific Contributions:
Wenzel Treitz made notable contributions to anatomical pathology and gastrointestinal anatomy. His work on internal hernias and peritoneal duplications advanced the understanding of intestinal obstruction and abdominal surgical anatomy. While his description of the ligament focused primarily on morphology and clinical relevance rather than biomechanics, it established the structure as a consistent anatomical landmark.[4]
Václav (Wenzel) Treitz – Image Obtained From: Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Subsequent anatomical research has expanded upon Treitz’s original description, refining the understanding of the ligament’s composition and function.[5] Although modern studies suggest that its mechanical strength may be limited, Treitz’s contribution remains foundational in defining the duodenojejunal junction as a key anatomical and clinical reference point.[5]
References
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Meyers MA. Treitz redux: the ligament of Treitz revisited. Abdom Imaging. 1995;20:421-424. doi:10.1007/BF01213262.
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Van der Linde ME, van der Meer JWM. Treitz en zijn ligament. Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2010;154.
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Van Gijn J, Joost PG. Treitz and his ligament. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2011;155(18). https://www.ntvg.nl/artikelen/treitz-en-zijn-ligament
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Treitz W. Hernia retroperitonealis: Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte innerer Hernien. Vierteljahrsschr Prakt Heilk. 1853;10:1-46.
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Jeyasingham K, Robinson PJ. The suspensory muscle of the duodenum (ligament of Treitz): An anatomical and radiological study. Clin Anat. 2007;20(6):640-645. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17653583/
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