A membrane that attaches organs to the abdominal wall. The term is used particularly to refer to the membranous fold that encloses the small intestine, attaching it to the back of the abdominal wall. The mesentery contains the blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels for the intestines.
Mesentery is the double layer of peritoneal membrane which supports the small INTESTINE. It is of a fan shape, and its shorter edge is attached to the back wall of the abdomen for a distance of about 15 cm (6 inches), while the small intestine lies within its longer edge, for a length of over 6 metres (20 feet). The terms mesocolon, mesorectum, etc., are applied to similar folds of PERITONEUM that support parts of the colon, rectum, etc.
n. a double layer of *peritoneum attaching the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, spleen, and other abdominal organs to the posterior wall of the abdomen. It contains blood and lymph vessels and nerves supplying these organs. —mesenteric adj.
The serous membrane of the abdominal cavity. The parietal peritoneum lines the walls of the abdomen and the visceral peritoneum covers the abdominal organs. The two are continuous with one another at the back of the abdomen and form a complicated closed sac (see MESENTERY; OMENTUM). A small amount of ?uid is always present to lubricate the membrane, while a large amount collects in conditions associated with OEDEMA or in PERITONITIS.... peritoneum
An acute abdominal disorder, mainly affecting children, in which lymph nodes in the mesentery become inflamed. The main symptoms of pain and tenderness in the abdomen may mimic appendicitis. There may also be mild fever. Mesenteric lymphadenitis usually clears up rapidly, needing only analgesic drugs to reduce pain and fever.... mesenteric lymphadenitis
n. inflammation of a gland or group of glands (or glandlike structures). For example, mesenteric adenitis affects the lymph nodes (formerly called lymph glands) in the membranous support of the intestines (the mesentery). Causing abdominal pain, usually in children, it is a common, usually mild and self-limiting, condition. Cervical adenitis affects the lymph nodes in the neck.... adenitis
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