13 Mesentery
To maintain the aforementioned highways, we’ll need a road maintenance crew to ensure they work smoothly. The mesentery, a fold of tissue in the body that attaches to the posterior abdominal wall, serves this role by providing support and allowing blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics to reach the intestine. It holds the small and large intestines in place while allowing some movement.
Figure 22 Mesentery surrounding intestine and intestinal vasculature
The mesentery has a few functions, including:
Table 15 Functions of the mesentery
| Function | Description: |
| Support | Keeps the intestines anchored to prevent them from becoming tangled or displaced |
| Blood supply | Contains blood vessels (arteries and veins) that supply nutrients and oxygen to the intestines and carry away waste products |
| Lymphatic function | Plays a role in the immune system by carrying lymph, which contains white blood cells that help fight infection |
| Fat storage | Contains fat that cushions and protects the abdominal organs |
Figure 23 Mesentery and blood supply
Do you understand the importance of the mesentery?
Hint: Often overlooked, the mesentery is a vital structure providing support and nutrients to the intestines! Keanu Reeves, like most students, does not appreciate its role in the digestive system. For a refresher on the features of the mesentery click here: