Mesentery of Small Intestine (Mesenterium)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The mesentery of the small intestine is a broad, fan-shaped double fold of peritoneum that suspends the jejunum and ileum from the posterior abdominal wall. Extending from the duodenojejunal flexure to the ileocecal junction, it carries the superior mesenteric artery and vein, autonomic nerve plexuses, lymphatic vessels (lacteals), and extensive mesenteric lymph node chains.
Clinical notes
Small bowel volvulus is mechanical twisting of the intestine around its mesenteric root, producing acute closed-loop obstruction and rapid mesenteric ischemia that risks transmural bowel infarction.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Mesentery of Small Intestine?
The mesentery of the small intestine is a broad, fan-shaped double fold of peritoneum that suspends the jejunum and ileum from the posterior abdominal wall. Extending from the duodenojejunal flexure to the ileocecal junction, it carries the superior mesenteric artery and vein, autonomic nerve plexuses, lymphatic vessels (lacteals), and extensive mesenteric lymph node chains.
Why is the Mesentery of Small Intestine clinically important?
Small bowel volvulus is mechanical twisting of the intestine around its mesenteric root, producing acute closed-loop obstruction and rapid mesenteric ischemia that risks transmural bowel infarction.
Source & license
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