Intestinal mesentery: what is it? Intestinal mesentery - let's figure out what it is? Rupture of the intestinal mesentery

- (mesacolon) duplication of the peritoneum, with the help of which the colon is attached to the posterior abdominal wall. Usually in an adult there are only the mesentery of the transverse and sigmoid colon (sigmoid mesocolon), which... ... Explanatory dictionary of medicine

Mesocolon, Mesentery of the Colon (Mesacolon)- a duplication of the peritoneum, with the help of which the colon is attached to the posterior abdominal wall. Usually in an adult there are only the mesentery of the transverse and sigmoid colon (sigmoid mesocolon), which are attached... ... Medical terms

mesentery dorsal- (mesenterium dorsale; synonym: posterior mesentery, dorsal mesentery) a fold formed in the embryo from the visceral layer of the ventral mesoderm and attaching the intestinal tube to the posterior (dorsal) wall of the body; from the B. d. the greater omentum develops... Large medical dictionary

Digestive system- ensures that the body absorbs the nutrients it needs as a source of energy, as well as for cell renewal and growth. The human digestive apparatus is represented by the digestive tube, large glands of the digestive... ... Atlas of Human Anatomy

Peritoneum- (peritoneum) consists of visceral (visceral) and parietal (parietal) sheets passing into each other, between which is located the peritoneal cavity (cavum peritonei) (Fig. 158), which is a complex system of slit-like ... ... Atlas of Human Anatomy

Colon- (colon) borders the loops of the small intestine and is divided into ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid. The ascending colon (colon ascendens) (Fig. 151, 159, 171) is a continuation of the cecum. Its posterior surface is not covered with peritoneum and... Atlas of Human Anatomy

Cecum- (caecum) (Fig. 151, 159, 170, 171) is the initial section of the large intestine and is a blind sac-like area from 3 to 8 cm long. As a rule, it is completely covered by the peritoneum. From the posteromedial wall, below the place of confluence... ... Atlas of Human Anatomy

Mesenteric part- the small intestine is located in the lower abdominal cavity, its length is 4-6 m, and its diameter is 2-4 cm. The proximal part of the small intestine is called the jejunum (Fig. 151, 158, 169, 171), is approximately 2/5 and without visible boundaries... ... Atlas of Human Anatomy

Stomach- In the upper left part of the peritoneum there is the stomach (gaster, s. ventriculus) (Fig. 151, 158, 159, 160), an organ that processes food using digestive juices. The shape and size of the stomach can change depending on the amount of... Atlas of Human Anatomy

Pancreas- (pancreas) (Fig. 151, 158, 159, 169) is a large (16-22 cm long and weighing 60-80 g) elongated digestive gland, located behind the stomach at the level of the XI-XII lower thoracic and I-II lumbar vertebrae. Pancreas… … Atlas of Human Anatomy

Abdominal organs- Front view. The stomach, mesenteric part of the intestine and part of the transverse colon are removed, the liver is raised upward. gallbladder; right lobe of the liver; hepatoduodenal ligament; round ligament of the liver; caudate lobe of the liver; top... ... Atlas of Human Anatomy

When we talk about the intestinal mesentery, we mean the membrane that supports the human small intestine. This is the functional part of the peritoneum that supports the intra-abdominal organs. Diseases of the mesentery lead to disorders in the gastrointestinal tract.

The mesentery is one of the peritoneal ligaments that controls the “order” in the human peritoneum. This is a duplication of the peritoneum, passing from the parietal layer to the visceral layer and covering the organs. The shape of the mesentery is similar to a ruffled collar, called in the old days “mesentery”. This is why this medical term arose in the Russian language.

Between the plates of the mesentery is the intestine. The mesentery itself is a fold of the peritoneum, with the help of which the intestines are located in a vertical position, and do not fall down the abdomen.

Thanks to the mesentery, the small intestine is attached to the wall of the abdomen. The back edge is the root. It is short and adjacent to the spinal column.

The opposite part of the free edge of the mesentery covers the small intestine. The mesentery covers not only the intestines, but also the peritoneal aorta, inferior vena cava, and ureter. This supporting membrane is shaped like a fan.

In addition to physical support of the intestine, the mesentery provides its maintenance.

All vessels pass through the layers of the mesentery among its serous fluid. This liquid protects against friction between organs and vessels, providing smoothness and gliding, facilitating the movements of the human body.

Nerves located in the intestinal membrane carry out messages from the central nervous system and receive response impulses. The mesenteric hematopoietic system helps provide the intestines with nutrients and oxygen. Together with blood vessels, they provide immune support.

The mesentery is an important part inside the peritoneum that helps the intestines and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract carry out their functions.

Intestinal obstruction

Intestinal volvulus occurs with the involvement of the mesentery, when the twisting of one of the intestinal sections occurs around the axis of the membrane. In this case, compression and twisting of the vessels inside the mesentery occurs, and nerve damage is observed. The affected sections do not receive the necessary nutrition.

The consequence of this disease is necrosis of intestinal cells and death of cellular tissue. In the absence of timely treatment, the contents of the intestine leak into the peritoneum, which is extremely dangerous for the patient’s life.

Mesenteric infarction

When the blood supply to the intestines is disrupted, a heart attack or thrombosis of the mesentery occurs. The acute form of this disease does not manifest itself in any way in the first stages of development until it reaches a severe stage.

Characteristics of intestinal mesentery infarction:

• severe abdominal pain
• collapse

The result of mesenteric infarction can be peritonitis. And in the absence of treatment there is a direct threat to life.

The causes of this disease are:

• septic endocarditis
• thromboendocarditis
• thrombocythemia
• periarteries
• cardiosclerosis
• Vaquez disease

The mortality rate for this diagnosis is about 70%.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery can cause mesenteric lymphadenitis. It leads to disruption. It is characterized by pain localized in the right side of the abdomen. The disease often occurs in children and persons under 18 years of age.

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is accompanied by modifications of the mesentery. The membrane thickens, and the serous membrane may form outgrowths. The lymph nodes of the mesentery fuse together, thicken, forming large conglomerates. In this case, an increase and dilation of the lymphatic vessels occurs.

The treatment method for these diseases is surgery with further therapy.
Most diseases of the intestinal mesentery are unfavorable. This is due to late seeking medical help when time is lost.

Tumors and small cysts are discovered by chance during preventive examinations. Benign tumors are painless and mobile. The most common location is the umbilical region. They are removed by enucleation or excision of part of the intestine and mesentery.

Malignant tumors have limited mobility and are accompanied by severe digestive disorders, severe abdominal pain, hemorrhage, and “acute abdomen.” Due to the presence of metastases in the early stages of cancer development, 30% of patients have contraindications to surgery. Only a quarter of cancers are curable after resection. In other cases, relapses are observed, which is associated with late patients seeking medical help.

Learn about colon cleansing from the video below.

Regular preventive examination, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, and timely seeking medical help will help maintain life and health.

The large intestine belongs to the organs of the digestive tract. This section of the gastrointestinal tract has the widest lumen. The large intestine produces feces and absorbs water from digested food debris. This organ is divided into 5 anatomical sections. One of them is the transverse colon. It represents the central department. As in other parts of the large intestine, pathological processes can develop in it. This organ is treated by a gastroenterologist and a surgeon.

Anatomical structure of the transverse colon

The transverse section of the colon is located between the ascending and descending parts. It runs from the hepatic to the splenic flexure. The transverse section is located in the form of a loop. It may be located above or below the level of the umbilical ring. In some cases, the transverse colon reaches the pelvis. In terms of length, it is considered the longest (about 50 cm).

Inside this section is represented by the mucous membrane. The transverse intestine is lined with cylindrical single-layer epithelium. The lamina mucosa consists of fibrous connective tissue. It contains exocrine glands and clusters of lymphoid cells. The submucosal layer contains blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as nerves. The muscular layer is represented by smooth muscles. There are 3 sphincters along the transverse colon. The first is located in the proximal part, the second is in the middle part, the third is at the splenic flexure.

The mesentery of the transverse colon is located along the posterior wall of the abdomen. It contains blood and lymphatic vessels. The transverse intestine is covered by peritoneum on all sides. Therefore, it belongs to intraperitoneal anatomical formations.

The importance of the transverse colon in the body

Transverse is median. It performs the following functions:

1. Production of the secretion necessary for the formation of the final products - excrement. Exocrine glands are involved in the breakdown of fiber.
2. Movement of contents through the intestinal lumen. It is carried out thanks to the presence of special tapes - haustra, as well as sphincters.
3. Absorption of fluid from chyme, fat-soluble vitamins, glucose and amino acids.

The transverse colon is of great importance, since all these functions are necessary for the digestive process. In the lumen of this section there are many bacteria that make up the normal microflora. They are necessary to maintain acid-base balance. In addition, normal microflora is involved in the inactivation of pathogenic bacteria.

Transverse colon: topography

Above the transverse colon are the digestive organs. Among them are the liver, gall bladder, and spleen. In front, the transverse intestine is adjacent to the anterior abdominal wall. Therefore, it is easily accessible to palpation. The lower edge of the organ is adjacent to the loops of the small intestine. Behind is the pancreas, left kidney and duodenum. These anatomical formations are separated from the transverse colon by the mesacolon - the mesentery. It provides blood supply and drainage of lymph from this department.

The omentum is located between the transverse colon and the greater curvature of the stomach. It forms a ligament. The blood supply to the organ is carried out by branches from the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries.

Causes of pathologies of the transverse colon

Damage to the transverse colon can occur due to various reasons. In some cases, diseases develop in early childhood or in the prenatal period. This occurs due to improper formation of fetal tissue. Other causes of pathologies include the following effects:

1. Mechanical damage to the intestinal mucosa.
2. Bacterial and viral lesions.
3. Functional disorders resulting from neurological diseases.
4. Chemical influences.
5. The appearance of neoplasms in the lumen of the transverse colon.
6. Acute and chronic circulatory disorders in the mesenteric vessels.
7. Chronic destructive processes.

All these reasons lead to dysfunction of the transverse colon. The result is indigestion. All pathological conditions require treatment. Indeed, in its absence, fecal stagnation and intoxication of the entire body occurs.

Diseases of the transverse colon

If abdominal pain occurs, you should pay attention to whether the transverse colon is affected. Symptoms of damage may vary. Clinical manifestations depend on the pathological process that has developed in the patient. The following groups of diseases of the transverse colon are distinguished:

In early childhood, congenital intestinal pathologies are detected. These include Hirschsprung's disease, cystic fibrosis, and megacolon.

Symptoms of pathologies of the transverse colon

Signs of diseases of the transverse colon include: pain, impaired stool consistency and defecation, symptoms of intoxication. Unpleasant sensations in the navel area or slightly below its level can be observed in any pathological condition. If the disease is caused by intestinal pathogens, it will be very pronounced. In this case, there is frequent loose stool, which may contain various impurities - mucus, blood. During some infectious processes, feces acquire a characteristic color and smell (in the form of “swamp mud”, “frog caviar”, “rice water”). Dysentery is characterized by severe spasms in the left abdomen and a false urge to defecate.

In chronic inflammatory processes, discomfort in the abdomen, diarrhea, followed by stool retention are periodically observed. Damage to the intestinal wall leads to the formation of bleeding ulcers.

Vascular disorders, stagnation of feces and congenital anomalies lead to the development of intestinal obstruction. This disease is an acute surgical condition. Regardless of the cause of the obstruction, help is required immediately.

Benign neoplasms in the intestines

A benign tumor of the transverse colon can arise from any tissue that makes up the wall of the organ. Varieties of this group of diseases include: polyp, fibroid, fibroma, hemangioma. Benign neoplasms are characterized by the fact that they grow into the lumen of the organ without affecting the thickness of the wall. A common type of tumor is a polyp of the transverse colon. It is a small growth facing the organ cavity. If the formation is small, the polyp may not appear in any way. However, it must be removed. Due to the constant passage of stool through the intestine, the benign tumor is damaged and may bleed or become infected. There is a high risk that the polyp will “grow” into an oncological process.

Malignant tumors of the transverse colon

Transverse colon cancer affects older people, but can also develop in younger patients. Most often it occurs against the background of chronic inflammatory pathologies, polyposis. Symptoms of cancer include pain, abnormal stool, and if the tumor is large, intestinal obstruction. In advanced cases, patients cannot eat, there is an increase in inguinal lymph nodes, increased body temperature, weight loss and weakness.

Transverse colon: treatment of pathologies

Treatment of diseases of the transverse colon can be conservative and surgical. In the first case, antibacterial medications (Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin) and anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Diarrhea is an indication for rehydration therapy. Liquid is administered in various ways. If the patient’s condition is satisfactory, they are given alkaline mineral water and Regidron solution to drink. In severe cases, fluid is injected into a vein. For diarrhea, medications “Smecta” and “Hilak-Forte” are prescribed, which help normalize intestinal function.

For destructive and oncological diseases, surgery is performed. It consists of resection of the transverse colon and suturing of the free ends. After surgery, it is necessary to follow a diet, since restoration of organ functions does not occur immediately.

To maintain the small intestine and its normal functioning, intestinal mesenteries are provided. This intestinal part is a membrane covered on all sides by peritoneal sheets that provide its protection. The mesentery contains an extensive network of blood vessels, nerve receptors and lymphatic pathways to supply nutrients, transmit nerve impulses and support the immunity of all internal organs.

Diseases of the mesentery are always accompanied by serious disorders in the body.

The mesentery is a membrane that supports the intestines in an anatomically determined position.

Mesentery and its functions

The abdominal organs are fixed using the mesenteric part. This peculiar ligament is considered a duplicate of the peritoneal sheets - it passes from the parietal sheet to the visceral sheet, and the internal organs are covered. Externally, the mesentery is similar to a ruffled collar, which in the old days was called “mesentery” (the medical term comes from the name). The mesentery consists of two plates, between which the intestine is located. This fixation to the wall of the abdominal cavity prevents the organ from falling down the abdomen. The posterior part of this fold of peritoneum is a short root adjacent to the vertebra and ending at the sacrum. On the opposite side, the mesentery envelops the small intestine, including the ureter, abdominal aorta and vena cava (inferior).

Using the mesentery, the following are attached:

• transverse colon with colon (due to the upper part of the process);
• small intestinal compartment (due to the middle section of the ligament).

In addition to its supporting function, the membrane performs intestinal maintenance. To protect against friction and ensure the sliding of organs when a person moves, the mesentery is treated with serous fluid. In addition to physical functions, the ligament performs:

• transmission of nerve impulses through NS receptors;
• provision of nutrients and oxygen through its own hematopoietic system;
• supporting immunity through the location of lymph nodes with their own vessels in the mesentery.

It is precisely because of the versatility and strong immune, lymphatic and circulatory connections of the mesenteric part with the intestines and other organs that there is a high risk of developing severe pathologies in the abdominal space. The most common pathological processes are:

• inflammation of the membrane or lymph nodes;
• cyst formation;
• tumors;
• thrombosis.

Where is it located?

The mesentery consists of three parts: upper, middle and root. The lower part of the ligament is fixed at the posterior wall in the sacral region or at the point of transition to the colon. The beginning of the mesenteric process is located in the second lumbar vertebra on the left. The middle of the membrane is slightly tilted. Examine the organ from top to bottom, left to right.

The height of the mesentery is 20 cm, the length of the root is 23 cm. The upper part is located at a distance of 8-10 cm from the navel (above), and the lower part is located at a distance of 10 cm from the groin area.

Types of diseases

The mesentery is considered a vulnerable organ, since it is practically not protected either inside or outside. Any pathologies of other systems and tracts provoke the involvement of the membrane in a negative process. Almost all independent ailments of the mesenteric ligament are considered serious and can lead to dire consequences. The most common diseases of the mesentery are discussed below.

Intestinal obstruction

The disease is caused by intestinal volvulus. In this case, twisting of one section of the intestine occurs, involving the mesenteric ligament. As a result, the vessels inside the membrane become twisted, causing the organs to receive less nutrients and oxygen, and nerve connections are damaged. The consequence of the condition is necrosis of intestinal cells with tissue death, the formation of perforations, which is extremely dangerous, as it is accompanied by the release of intestinal contents into the peritoneum and inflammation of its sheets (purulent peritonitis).

Thrombosis and embolism

Pathological conditions are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. An embolus often forms in a vessel of another organ and travels to the intestines along with the bloodstream. Due to the thinness of the intestinal vessels, the embolus is delayed, which provokes the formation of a new formation, which causes necrosis of the loop part of the intestine. Causes of pathology:

• heart disease of the circulatory system;
• cysts;
• increased blood pressure;
• heart attack;
• surgeries that provoke thrombosis (in the abdominal cavity).

The extent of damage and survival are determined by the type of occluded mesenteric vessel and the timeliness of response. Problems occur more often in older people. Diagnosis is difficult due to the similarity of the clinic with other diseases (appendicitis, ulcers, cholecystitis). Specific symptoms: cutting pain in the abdomen, decreased pulse, vomiting, weakness, bloating, diarrhea with blood. Treatment involves removing the dead area of ​​the intestine along with the clot.

Mesenteric lymphadenitis

The disease is specific to the intestinal ligament. More often it is provoked by an infection that spreads to the mesentery from neighboring organs. The lymph nodes of the membrane are affected, which is accompanied by severe symptoms in the form of:

• paroxysmal sharp pain in the umbilical region or on the right side (lasting from 3 hours to several days);
• nausea with vomiting, hiccups, diarrhea/constipation;
• redness of the pharynx, skin;
• herpetic rashes of different localization.

Acute and complicated forms are treated surgically. Advanced cases cannot be treated. Outside of exacerbation, antibiotics, diet, physiotherapy, and desensitizers are prescribed.

Mesenteric panniculitis

This nonspecific inflammatory process is characterized by expanded compaction of the mesenteric walls, spreading to adipose tissue. Timely detection is almost impossible. A correct diagnosis can only be made with comprehensive laboratory and instrumental analysis. The pathology is treated only with medication, surgery is not used. It occurs more often in men, rarely in children. The disease is rare, and the manifestations are mild, in the form of:

• nausea with vomiting;
• pain in the abdomen of varying intensity;
• fever;
• weight loss.

Mesentery of the intestine - layers of peritoneum, with the help of which the internal organs (stomach, large, small intestine and others) are attached to the posterior wall of the abdomen.

The mesentery has an extensive network of blood vessels, nerve endings and lymph nodes, which are involved in supplying the organ with necessary nutrients, transmitting nerve impulses and supporting the immunity of internal organs.

The structure of the mesentery

Some organs located in the peritoneal cavity have a serous membrane. The folds of peritoneum that surround the loops of the small and large intestines are called the mesentery. But it is worth noting that not all parts of the digestive tract have peritoneal layers.

For example, at the level of the duodenum they are completely absent, and the mesentery of the small intestine is most developed. The posterior portion of the mesentery, which is attached to the wall of the abdomen, constitutes the root of the mesentery. Its size is small and reaches approximately 16 cm.

The opposite edge, which affects the entire small intestine, is equal to the length of these two sections. Next, the mesentery goes to the intestinal loops and surrounds them in such a way that they are tightly fixed between the layers of the peritoneum.

What role does it serve?

The main function of the mesentery is to separate most of the organs from the posterior abdominal wall and prevent the organs from descending into the pelvis when the body is in an upright position. The vessels of the mesentery provide the intestinal walls with a sufficient amount of oxygen, which is simply necessary for normal functioning.

Nerve cells send impulses to the brain and receive them back. The lymph nodes located at the base of the mesentery provide the protective function of the entire intestine.

Diseases

Mesenteric infarction

Mesenteric infarction and intestinal infarction occur as a result of circulatory disturbances in the mesenteric vessels due to thrombosis or embolism. The main clinical manifestation of the pathology is severe pain in the navel area. However, it is worth noting that upon palpation the abdomen remains soft and less painful.

Over time, the pain subsides, and with complete necrosis of the intestinal wall, it disappears altogether, which interferes with a positive prognosis.

The patient's skin is pale, the tongue is dry and has a white coating. It happens that just a few hours after the onset of tissue necrosis, fluid effusion into the abdominal cavity (ascites) begins.

If you do not go to the hospital on time, the disease begins to progress and the person becomes lethargic and apathetic. Even if you begin to take the necessary measures after extensive necrosis, coma and convulsive seizures may occur. To confirm the diagnosis, specialists prescribe ultrasound of the abdominal organs, x-rays, and laparoscopy.

Surgery is considered the best way.

Treatment consists of removing all foci of necrosis

Mesenteric cyst

A benign thin-walled neoplasm that has neither a muscle layer nor an epithelial layer. Cysts appear between the 2 sheets of the mesentery of any part of the digestive system and are not associated with the intestines. The most common cyst is the mesentery of the small intestine.

The process of the appearance and growth of neoplasms takes a long time, so during this period the patient does not notice any manifestations. To make a correct diagnosis, palpation of the abdomen is performed, during which a mobile mesenteric tumor is clearly felt, painless. Cysts are treated only surgically.

Cancer

A malignant neoplasm that leads to tissue breakdown. The pathology is much less common than cysts. The clinical picture of tumors is similar to a cystic formation. The first symptoms begin to appear only when the tumor is large and compresses the internal organs.

Patients begin to complain of abdominal pain of varying intensity, nausea and vomiting, belching, and flatulence. Diagnosing oncology is quite problematic, but with the help of ultrasound and CT it is possible to identify the location of the tumor, its size, and consistency. Treatment of mesenteric cancer is surgical, chemotherapy and radiation.

Gap

It occurs against the background of abdominal trauma and is combined with a violation of the integrity of neighboring organs, in particular the small or large intestine. Mesenteric rupture occurs both with penetrating wounds and closed abdominal injuries.

The main symptom of the pathology is the development of shock in the first hours, then it weakens or is replaced by another sign - internal bleeding or the onset of peritonitis. The picture of bleeding begins with pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, the pulse weakens and gradually disappears, and a low content of hemoglobin and red blood cells will be noted in the general blood test.

It is very difficult to recognize a rupture using radiation and clinical methods

The only effective way is laparoscopy. During it, treatment is carried out (the hematoma is removed, the bleeding vessels are tied up, the damaged mesentery is sutured).

Inflammation

The inflammatory process as a separate pathology occurs extremely rarely. Most often it occurs against the background of peritonitis, since the serous membrane is involved in this disease. It is almost impossible to recognize inflammation of the mesentery, since the clinical picture can be varied.

The most common symptom of the pathology is pain in the navel area of ​​varying intensity. The mesenteric lymph nodes increase in size, swelling and redness of the inflamed area appears. Over time, the mesenteric tissue is replaced in places by connective tissue, turning into dense scars. As a result, the walls of the mesentery grow together and shrink.

Treatment of any disease is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process. Several groups of drugs are used for therapy: antibiotics, antispasmodics and painkillers. In addition, a mandatory condition on the path to recovery is diet. In the case of a purulent process, surgical intervention with complete sanitation of the abdominal cavity is indicated.