Anatomy of the mesentery: Current understanding and mechanisms of attachment. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Byrnes, Kevin Gerard; Walsh, Dara; Dockery, Peter; McDermott, Kieran; Coffey, John Calvin
• Is Part Of: Seminars in cell & developmental biology. Volume 92(2019)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Mesentery -- Peritoneum -- Anatomy -- Attachment -- Fascia; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.10.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1084-9521

Abstract

Highlights: All abdominal digestive organs are centred on the mesentery. The mesentery maintains all abdominal digestive organs in position and in continuity with other systems. It comprises mesogastric, mesoduodenal, jejunoileal, mesocolic and mesorectal regions. Abdominal digestive organ neurovasculature is contained within the mesentery. Mechanisms of attachment include Toldt's fascia, vascular connections and the peritoneal reflection. Abstract: An understanding of the anatomy of the mesentery is necessary to undertake any appraisal of the literature on its development. The mesentery is the collection of tissues that maintain all abdominal digestive organs in position and connection with the rest of the body. Therefore, it is also necessary to detail the exact mechanisms that maintain the mesentery in position. We explore these mechanisms, including the supportive functions of structures such as Toldt's fascia, the peritoneal reflection, and vascular connections, in this article.