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Identify the transverse colon and its mesentery, the transverse mesocolon. The root of the transverse mesocolon has a broad horizontal attachment to the posterior abdominal wall. Follow the transverse colon from the right side of the abdominal cavity to the left side. Just inferior to the spleen, the transverse colon becomes continuous with the descending colon. This junction between the transverse colon and descending colon is called the splenic flexure or the left colic flexure.
The descending colon is similar to the ascending colon, in that it is considered to be a retroperitoneal organ because it lacks supporting mesentery. The distal portion of the descending colon is continuous with the sigmoid colon.Links and References:
Grant's: 2.71
Netter: 266
Rohen/Yokochi: 287, 298