Definition

Noun: - A fold of the peritoneum attaching the colon to the dorsal abdominal wall: The mesocolon is a specific part of the mesentery, which is a membrane that connects organs to the body wall. It serves to anchor and support sections of the large intestine (colon).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • During the surgery, the surgeon carefully dissected the mesocolon to access the affected part of the colon.
  • Inflammation of the mesocolon can complicate abdominal procedures.

Advanced Usage

• "Sigmoid mesocolon": Refers specifically to the peritoneal fold that attaches the sigmoid colon (the S-shaped last part of the colon) to the posterior abdominal wall.
  • The sigmoid mesocolon has a distinct, fan-shaped appearance.

Variants and Related Words

• Mesenteric (adj): Pertaining to or of the nature of a mesentery.
  • The mesenteric blood supply was carefully preserved.
• Mesentery (n): A broader term for any fold of tissue that attaches organs to the body wall, especially the intestines.
  • The mesentery carries blood vessels and nerves to the intestines.

Synonyms

• Peritoneal fold: A general term for a fold of the peritoneum.
• Colonic mesentery: A more descriptive synonym.

Notes

• The term "mesocolon" is highly specialized and used almost exclusively in medical, anatomical, and biological contexts. It is not commonly used in everyday language.

Noun

1. mesentery that holds the lower colon to the dorsal abdominal wall