Mesenteries

Mesenteries Mesentery of the small intestine (mesentery proper) Is a fan-shaped double fold of peritoneum that suspends the jejunum and ileum from the posterior abdominal wall and transmits nerves and blood vessels to and from the small intestine. Forms a root that extends from the duodenojejunal flexure to the right iliac fossa and is about 15 cm (6 inches) long. Has a free border that encloses the small intestine , which is about 6 m (20 feet) long. Contains the superior mesenteric and intestinal (jejunal and ileal) vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. Transverse mesocolon Connects the posterior surface of the transverse colon to the posterior abdominal wall. Fuses with the greater omentum to form the gastrocolic ligament. Contains the middle colic vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. Sigmoid mesocolon Is a peritoneal fold that connects the sigmoid colon to the pelvic wall and contains the sigmoid vessels. Its of attachment may form an inverted V. Mesoappendix Connects the appendix to the mesentery of the ileum and contains the appendicular vessels. ◄.....Go back to the Gross Anatomy homepage