The mesentery proper is a fold of membrane that attaches the intestine to the wall around the stomach area and holds it in place. It's essentially the part of the mesentery that specifically suspends the small intestine.
Understanding the Mesentery
The mesentery, once considered simply a fragmented structure, is now recognized as a single, continuous organ. Its primary function is to support the intestines and connect them to the posterior abdominal wall. This connection is vital for:
- Providing structural support: The mesentery keeps the intestines in the correct position, preventing them from twisting or becoming displaced. According to the reference, it "attaches the intestine to the wall around the stomach area and holds it in place."
- Facilitating blood supply and nerve innervation: Blood vessels and nerves reach the intestines via the mesentery.
- Lymphatic drainage: The mesentery contains lymph nodes that play a role in immune function.
Mesentery Proper vs. Other Mesenteries
While "mesentery proper" often refers to the mesentery of the small intestine, different parts of the large intestine also have associated mesenteries, such as the transverse mesocolon (supporting the transverse colon) and the sigmoid mesocolon (supporting the sigmoid colon). The mesentery proper is just the specific portion connected to the small intestine.
Importance of the Mesentery
The mesentery's role goes beyond simple support. It's actively involved in intestinal function and overall abdominal health. Understanding its anatomy and function is crucial in surgical procedures involving the abdomen.
