Mesentery

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The peritoneum is a serous membrane that lines the walls of the abdominal cavity (parietal peritoneum) and wraps the abdominal and pelvic organs (visceral peritoneum). The mesentery is an abdominal organ comprised of both layers of the peritoneum: visceral and parietal. The main function of the mesentery is to attach the intraperitoneal organs (mainly the intestines) to the abdominal wall and to provide neurovascular communication between those organs and the abdominal wall. Mesenteries include the:

• Small intestine mesentery (mesentery proper): suspends the jejunum and the ileum
• Mesoappendix: suspends the vermiform appendix and the cecum
• Transverse mesocolon: suspends the transverse colon
• Sigmoid mesocolon: suspends the sigmoid colon

This video tutorial will provide you with an overview of the mesentery.

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