Mesocolon
Mesocolon (pronunciation: /ˈmɛsəʊˌkəʊlɒn/) is a part of the anatomy of the digestive system. It is a fold of peritoneum that attaches the colon to the posterior abdominal wall in humans and other mammals.
Etymology
The term "mesocolon" is derived from the Greek words "mesos" (middle) and "kolon" (colon).
Anatomy
The mesocolon is a double layer of peritoneum that encloses the colon. It is part of the greater omentum, a larger fold of peritoneum that hangs down from the stomach. The mesocolon allows the colon to be mobile within the abdominal cavity while still remaining connected to the body's blood supply and lymphatic system.
Function
The primary function of the mesocolon is to hold the colon in place within the abdominal cavity. It also contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves that supply the colon.
Related Terms
- Peritoneum: A membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs.
- Colon: The final section of the digestive tract.
- Greater omentum: A large apron-like fold of visceral peritoneum that hangs down from the stomach.
- Abdominal cavity: The largest cavity in the body, it contains the stomach, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, small intestines, kidneys, and colon.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mesocolon
- Wikipedia's article - Mesocolon
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