Mesentery Proper Flashcards

Explore the mesentery proper, its intestinal attachments, root, vascular contents, lymphatic drainage, and surgical relationships.

Card 1 of 30Question

What is the mesentery proper?

A double-layered fold of peritoneum that suspends the jejunum and ileum from the posterior abdominal wall.

In This Section

1. What is the mesentery proper?

A double-layered fold of peritoneum that suspends the jejunum and ileum from the posterior abdominal wall.

2. Which parts of the small intestine are attached to the mesentery proper?

The jejunum and ileum.

3. What is the root of the mesentery?

The relatively short line of attachment of the mesentery proper to the posterior abdominal wall.

4. Where does the root of the mesentery begin?

Near the duodenojejunal flexure, to the left of the second lumbar vertebra.

5. Where does the root of the mesentery terminate?

Near the ileocecal junction in the right iliac fossa.

6. In which direction does the root of the mesentery run?

Obliquely downward and to the right across the posterior abdominal wall.

7. What is the approximate length of the root of the mesentery in adults?

Approximately 15 cm, although its length varies.

8. Which part of the duodenum is crossed by the root of the mesentery?

The horizontal, or third, part of the duodenum.

9. Which major abdominal artery is crossed by the mesenteric root?

The abdominal aorta.

10. Which major vein is crossed by the root of the mesentery?

The inferior vena cava.

11. Which ureter passes posterior to the root of the mesentery?

The right ureter.

12. Which muscle is crossed by the inferior portion of the mesenteric root?

The right psoas major muscle.

13. Which artery provides the principal arterial supply to the jejunum and ileum through the mesentery?

The superior mesenteric artery.

14. Which branches of the superior mesenteric artery travel through the mesentery proper?

The jejunal and ileal arteries.

15. What are arterial arcades within the mesentery?

Interconnecting loops formed by branches of the jejunal and ileal arteries.

16. What are vasa recta in the mesentery proper?

Relatively straight arterial branches extending from the arcades toward the intestinal wall.

17. How do arterial arcades typically differ between the jejunal and ileal mesentery?

Jejunal arcades are usually fewer and simpler, while ileal arcades are more numerous and complex.

18. How do the vasa recta typically differ between the jejunum and ileum?

Jejunal vasa recta are generally longer, while ileal vasa recta are shorter.

19. Which major vein receives venous drainage from the jejunum and ileum?

The superior mesenteric vein.

20. Which lymphatic structures are found within the mesentery proper?

Intestinal lymphatic vessels, lacteal drainage pathways, and mesenteric lymph nodes.

21. Where does lymph from the jejunum and ileum travel after passing through mesenteric lymph nodes?

Toward the superior mesenteric lymph nodes and intestinal lymphatic trunks.

22. Which autonomic nerve plexus supplies the jejunum and ileum through the mesentery?

The superior mesenteric plexus.

23. From which embryological structure does the mesentery proper develop?

The dorsal mesentery of the midgut.

24. What is the main mechanical function of the mesentery proper?

It supports the jejunum and ileum while allowing intestinal mobility and transmitting their vessels and nerves.

25. What is the mesenteric border of the small intestine?

The intestinal border where the two peritoneal layers of the mesentery attach and blood vessels enter.

26. What is the difference in mesenteric fat distribution between the jejunum and ileum?

Jejunal mesenteric fat usually leaves translucent windows near the bowel, while ileal fat extends closer to the intestinal wall.

27. What is a mesenteric volvulus?

Twisting of an intestinal segment and its mesentery around the mesenteric vascular axis.

28. Why can twisting of the mesentery cause intestinal ischemia?

It may compress mesenteric blood vessels and compromise intestinal perfusion.

29. What is a congenital mesenteric defect?

An abnormal opening in the mesentery through which intestinal loops may herniate.

30. Why is the mesenteric vascular anatomy important during intestinal resection?

It guides vessel ligation and preservation of an adequate blood supply to the remaining intestine.