Definition & Meaning of "hepatic flexure"

What is "hepatic flexure"?

The hepatic flexure, also known as the right colic flexure, is a sharp bend in the colon located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. It serves as a junction between the ascending colon and the transverse colon. The hepatic flexure is closely associated with the liver, with the right lobe of the liver often overlapping this area. It plays a role in the process of digestion and absorption, as well as in the movement of fecal matter through the gastrointestinal tract.