Structure
The mesocolon is a general term referencing the mesentery that attaches portions of the large intestine (colon) to the posterior abdominal wall. It’s a reflection of parietal peritoneum from the posterior abdominal wall. The mesocolon contains a substantial amount of adipose tissue, as well as the neurovascular supply to the colon. Where it's adhered to the posterior abdominal wall, it is held in place by a layer of loose connective tissue (Toldt’s fascia).
Related parts of the anatomy
Function
The sigmoid mesocolon suspends the sigmoid colon from the posterior abdominal wall, keeping it supported yet mobile. It also offers a conduit for nerves, vasculature, and lymphatics accessing the sigmoid colon (Moore, Dalley and Agur, 2013).
List of Clinical Correlates
—Adhesions
References
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. M. R. (2013) Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Clinically Oriented Anatomy 7th edn.: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
