Structure
The root of the mesentery refers to the location along the posterior abdominal wall that marks the beginning of the mesentery of the small intestine.
Anatomical Relations
The root of the mesentery runs obliquely from the duodenojejunal flexure superiorly to the right sacroiliac joint inferiorly. Along this course, the root passes over the third part of the duodenum, inferior vena cava, abdominal aorta, right psoas major muscle, and the right ureter (Standring, 2016).
Function
The root of the mesentery serves as the anchor point for the jejunum and ileum.
List of Clinical Correlates
- Volvulus
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41 edn.: Elsevier Limited.
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Mesentery
Mesenteries are continuous with the serosa of parietal and visceral peritoneum, and they carry blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics to serve the digestive tube.
