Mesentery
Mesentery
Mesentery (pronunciation: /mɛˈsɛntəri/) is a fold of the peritoneum that attaches the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, spleen, and other organs to the posterior wall of the abdomen.
Etymology
The term "mesentery" is derived from the Greek words "mesos" (middle) and "enteron" (intestine), literally meaning "middle of the intestines".
Function
The mesentery serves several important functions in the body. It provides a pathway for the nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatics that supply the intestines. It also helps to hold the intestines in place, preventing them from collapsing into the pelvic cavity.
Related Terms
- Peritoneum: A thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs.
- Small Intestine: The part of the digestive tract where most of the absorption of nutrients occurs.
- Pancreas: An organ that produces enzymes to help digest food and hormones to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Spleen: An organ that filters blood, stores blood cells, and plays a role in immunity.
- Lymphatics: The network of vessels through which lymph drains from the tissues into the blood.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mesentery
- Wikipedia's article - Mesentery
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