mesentery

Introduction

A double layer of peritoneum attached to the abdominal wall.

Function

• prevents intestines collapsing into the pelvis
• may have played a role in allowing humans to walk upright
• production of C-reactive protein
• presume roles in fibrinolysis, inflammation, & coagulation

Constituents

Within its fold, the mesentery encloses:

• nerves
• blood vessels
• intestine

More general terms

• peritoneum

More specific terms

• transverse mesocolon

Component of

• abdomen