mesenteriske

Mesenteriske, or mesenteric in English, refers to structures related to the mesentery, a peritoneal fold that attaches parts of the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall. The mesentery serves as a continuous peritoneal sheet that carries blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics, and fat to the intestines.

Anatomy: The most prominent is the mesentery proper of the small intestine, which extends from the left upper abdomen to the right lower abdomen, with a root that runs from the duodenojejunal flexure to the ileocecal junction. Within this mesentery pass the superior mesenteric vessels, lymph nodes, and nerve plexus. Other mesenteries include the mesocolon for the transverse and sigmoid colon, as well as smaller structures such as the mesoappendix. The mesentery consists of two peritoneal layers with a core of fat and connective tissue, forming conduits for vessels and nerves to the intestinal wall.

Development: During embryology, the gut tube is suspended by dorsal and ventral mesenteries derived from the original embryonic mesenteries. As the gut rotates and settles, certain attachments become fixed, producing the established mesenteric configurations seen in adulthood.

Function: The mesentery provides vascular supply, lymphatic drainage, and innervation to the intestines, while its adipose tissue serves as energy storage and cushioning. It also acts as a conduit for immune cells and supports the spatial organization and movement of the intestines.

Clinical significance: Variations in mesenteric anatomy can affect surgical planning. Mesenteric ischemia results from reduced blood flow through the mesenteric arteries, most commonly the superior mesenteric artery, and presents with abdominal pain after meals and weight loss. Other conditions include mesenteric panniculitis, mesenteric cysts, and inflammatory or neoplastic processes involving mesenteric tissue.