The mesentery, a component of the peritoneum, plays a crucial role in supporting and encasing numerous abdominal organs. Comprising a double fold of the peritoneal membrane, it serves as a connection between the intestines and the abdominal wall. Beyond its primary function, the mesentery also serves as a storage site for fat and facilitates the transportation of blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves to nourish and supply the intestines with essential nutrients.
Within the mesentery, there are various structures, each with distinct responsibilities. These include different regions of the mesocolon, the mesentery of the small intestine, the mesoappendix, and the mesorectum.
New Discovery
Recent advancements in technology have enabled scientists to conduct microscopic examinations that have led to a groundbreaking discovery in 2012. Initially thought to be separate parts of the digestive system, these structures were found to be a single unified mass. Subsequent research and evidence presented in a 2016 article have convinced the medical community to officially recognize this mass as an organ, now known as the mesentery. This significant finding has been included in the latest edition of Gray’s Anatomy, a well-known medical textbook. Since its recognition, the discovery of the mesentery has sparked numerous innovations across various medical fields.
Anatomy of the Mesentery
The mesentery is a structure that surrounds the intestines in the abdominal region. Its origin can be traced back to the point where the aorta of the heart intersects with a large artery, known as the superior mesenteric artery. This artery is commonly referred to as the root of the mesentery, as it signifies the starting point of this structure. From this location, the mesentery extends throughout the entire abdomen. Different sections of the mesentery, such as the mesocolon, connect to specific parts of the colon. For instance, the mesoappendix connects the ileum of the small intestine to the appendix, while the mesorectum attaches to the rectum.