What does mesentery mean?
The mesentery is the anatomical structure that suspends the intestines inside the abdomen. It is a broad, double-layered fold of the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, and it connects the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall. Rather than merely holding the intestines in place, it also carries the arteries, veins, nerves, and lymphatic vessels needed to supply and drain them. In humans, the mesentery most prominently supports the small intestine, although related folds support other parts of the digestive tract. The term is primarily used in medical and anatomical contexts, including discussions of intestinal surgery, abdominal pain, lymph nodes, and diseases affecting supporting tissues. Because the intestines can move and change position as material passes through them, the mesentery must permit movement without interrupting the blood and nerve connections that keep intestinal tissue healthy. This combination of support and transport makes the mesentery an essential organizing structure of the abdominal cavity.
nounAn anatomical fold of peritoneum that suspends the intestines and connects them to the posterior abdominal wall, while containing blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels.
- The fold of peritoneum that suspends the intestines and connects them to the body wall.
"The surgeon carefully released the intestine from the surrounding mesentery."
"The mesentery allows the small intestine to move while supplying it with blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels."
"Inflammation of the mesentery can cause severe abdominal pain in what is known as mesenteric adenitis."
The plural is uncommon but standard, particularly in anatomy and comparative zoology.
"The mesenteries of the preserved specimen were examined for signs of inflammation."
Your intestines do not simply float in the abdomen: the mesentery acts like a living suspension bridge carrying vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mesentery come from?
The English medical term derives from Latin mesenterium, which was borrowed from Greek mesenterion, from mesos, meaning “middle,” and enteron, meaning “intestine.” The Greek compound originally referred to the middle part of the intestine and was adapted in Latin medicine for the supporting membrane associated with it. The same Greek root survives in terms such as mesenteritis, mesenteron, and mesogastrium.
Related word forms
How mesentery is actually used
A technical term used chiefly in medicine, anatomy, surgery, and zoology. It is uncommon in general speech.
Easily confused with mesentery
A mesentery is a supporting peritoneal fold, whereas a mesenteron is an animal's intestinal tract, especially in embryonic or zoological terminology.