Mesentery - Mesentery (general)

Mesentery (general)

Mesenteries are composed of two layers of peritoneum. The peritoneum that lies on the walls of the abdominopelvic cavity (parietal peritoneum) invaginates at certain parts, with an organ inside this invagination. This invaginated peritoneum (visceral peritoneum) will often surround all but a part of the organ ("bare area"), through which the organ transmits blood vessels and nerves. If this organ is invaginated far enough into the peritoneum, the visceral peritoneum will come in contact with itself, forming the organ's mesentery.

Mesenteries in the body:

  • Mesentery (proper) - surrounds parts of the small intestine (the jejunum and the ileum)
  • Mesocolon - surrounds parts of the colon
    • Meso-appendix - peritoneum of the vermiform appendix
    • Transverse mesocolon - peritoneum of the transverse colon
    • Sigmoid mesocolon - peritoneum of the sigmoid colon
  • Broad ligament of the uterus - peritoneum of the uterus, uterine tubes, and ovaries
    • Mesovarium - peritoneum of the Ovary
    • Mesometrium - peritoneum of the Uterus
    • Mesosalpinx - peritoneum of the Uterine tube

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