Ligament
Mesentery of the small intestine
Mobile small bowel suspended from an oblique attachment
High-yield
The usual root runs from the duodenojejunal region on the upper left toward the ileocecal region on the lower right.
Overview
The mesentery proper links jejunum and ileum to the posterior abdominal wall. A relatively short oblique root opens into a broad intestinal attachment, allowing long mobile loops to share a compact route for vessels, lymphatics and nerves. Fat and lymph nodes occupy the tissue between its peritoneal surfaces.
Reference facts
- Attachments
- Oblique posterior attachment from near the left-sided duodenojejunal flexure toward the right iliac/sacroiliac region, with a much longer bowel-facing border.
- Function
- Supports mobile jejunoileal loops and carries mesenteric arteries, veins, lymphatic channels, nodes and autonomic branches.
- Clinical point
- The root overlies the horizontal duodenum and major retroperitoneal vessels, with the right ureter and psoas in its course. Abnormally narrow fixation in malrotation predisposes bowel and mesenteric vessels to twist together in midgut volvulus.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the mesentery of the small intestine attach?
Oblique posterior attachment from near the left-sided duodenojejunal flexure toward the right iliac/sacroiliac region, with a much longer bowel-facing border.
What does the mesentery of the small intestine do?
Supports mobile jejunoileal loops and carries mesenteric arteries, veins, lymphatic channels, nodes and autonomic branches.
Why does the mesentery of the small intestine matter clinically?
The root overlies the horizontal duodenum and major retroperitoneal vessels, with the right ureter and psoas in its course. Abnormally narrow fixation in malrotation predisposes bowel and mesenteric vessels to twist together in midgut volvulus.