[Blood supply and histophysiology of the appendices epiploicae (author's transl)].

The appendices epiploicae of the colon wall are constituted of three morphologically different types: stalked appendices and others which are attached with their base in longitudinal and vertical direction to the colon axis. The appendices have a characteristic blood supply which varies with the different forms. In difference to other regions of the fat-organ in the human body an increased number of interstitial cells between capillaries and fat-cells can be found. These cells are obviously inserted in the insulin-controlled fat metabolism of the appendices. The interpretation of these morphological findings is that functionally the appendices may play a role in the resorption of water and electrolytes from the colon contents.