Definition

1. Noun:
   • A membranous fold: In anatomy, the mesentery is a specific anatomical structure. It is a double-layered fold of the peritoneum—the membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
   • A supporting structure: Its primary function is to attach internal organs, most notably the intestines, to the posterior (back) wall of the abdominal cavity. It provides stability, contains blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic channels that supply the intestines.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The surgeon carefully examined the mesentery for any signs of ischemia.
  • The mesentery supports and suspends the jejunum and ileum sections of the small intestine.
  • Inflammation of the mesentery, called mesenteritis, can cause severe abdominal pain.

Advanced Usage

• "Mesenteric" (adjective): Pertaining to the mesentery.
  • The patient was diagnosed with acute mesenteric lymphadenitis.
  • Mesenteric angiography is used to visualize the blood vessels within the mesentery.

Variants and Related Words

• Mesentery proper: Often used specifically to refer to the mesentery of the small intestine.
• Mesocolon: A similar peritoneal fold that attaches parts of the colon (large intestine) to the posterior abdominal wall. It is analogous to the mesentery but for a different organ.
• Omentum: Another peritoneal fold, different from the mesentery, that connects the stomach to other abdominal organs.

Synonyms

• Peritoneal fold: A general term for a fold of the peritoneum, which includes structures like the mesentery and omentum.
• (No direct common synonym): In precise anatomical terminology, "mesentery" is the specific term. In non-technical contexts, it might be loosely described as a "supporting membrane" or "connective tissue."

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• (Not applicable): As a specific anatomical noun, "mesentery" is not used in phrasal verb constructions.

Related Idioms

• (Not applicable): There are no common idioms that incorporate the word "mesentery."

Noun

1. a double layer of peritoneum that attaches to the back wall of the abdominal cavity and supports the small intestines