mesentery

[ mes-uh n-ter-ee, mez- ]

/ ˈmɛs ənˌtɛr i, ˈmɛz- /

noun, plural mes·en·ter·ies. Anatomy.

the membrane, consisting of a double layer of peritoneum, that invests the intestines, attaching them to the posterior wall of the abdomen, maintaining them in position in the abdominal cavity, and supplying them with blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics, especially the part of this membrane investing the jejunum and ileum.

Nearby words

mesenteriorrhaphy, mesenteriplication, mesenteritis, mesenterium, mesenteron, mesentery, mesh, mesh connection, mesh knot, mesha stele, meshach

Origin of mesentery

1375–1425; late Middle English < New Latin mesenterium < Greek mesentérion (equivalent to mes- mes- + entérion, neuter of entérios of the bowel); see enteron

Related formsmes·en·ter·ic, adjectivein·ter·mes·en·ter·ic, adjectivepost·mes·en·ter·ic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for mesenteric

Next, enlargement of the mesenteric glands and disorder of their functions take place from many causes other than consumption.
The Mother's Manual of Children's Diseases|Charles West, M.D.
Birch-Hirschfeld asserts that cheesy degeneration of the mesenteric glands is always accompanied by tubercular formations.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various
He was aware of the existence of the lacteals, and their anatomical relation to the mesenteric glands.
History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, Volume I (of 2)|John William Draper
The midgut forms a simple loop with a descending and ascending limb closely bound together by mesenteric attachment.
The Anatomy of the Human Peritoneum and Abdominal Cavity|George. S. Huntington

The comparative frequency of tuberculosis of the mesenteric glands cannot be determined.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various

British Dictionary definitions for mesenteric

mesentery

/ (ˈmɛsəntərɪ, ˈmɛz-) /

noun plural -teries

the double layer of peritoneum that is attached to the back wall of the abdominal cavity and supports most of the small intestine

Derived Formsmesenteric, adjective

Word Origin for mesentery

C16: from New Latin mesenterium; see meso- + enteron

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for mesenteric

mesentery

fold of the peritoneum, early 15c., from medical Latin mesenterium "middle of the intestine," from medical Greek mesenterion, from mesos "middle" (see medial (adj.)) + enteron "intestine" (see enteric). Related: Mesenteric.

Medicine definitions for mesenteric

mesentery

[ mĕz′ən-tĕr′ē ]

n.

A double layer of peritoneum attached to the abdominal wall and enclosing in its fold certain organs of the abdominal viscera.

A fold of the peritoneum that connects the intestines to the dorsal abdominal wall, especially such a fold that envelops the jejunum and ileum.

Related formsmes′en•ter′ic adj.