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
Anatomical Relations
The root of the transverse mesocolon is associated with the anterior surface of the second part of the duodenum, the head and neck of the pancreas, upper pole of the left kidney (Standring, 2016).
The middle colic vessels, aortic plexus, and associated lymph nodes travel within the transverse mesocolon.
The transverse mesocolon terminates laterally on each end to produce two folds, the duodenocolic ligament on the right, and the phrenicocolic ligament on the left (extending from the splenic flexure to the diaphragm).
Function
The transverse mesocolon suspends the transverse colon from the posterior abdominal wall within the peritoneal cavity.
List of Clinical Correlates
- Adhesions
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41 edn.: Elsevier Limited.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Mesocolon
The transverse mesocolon attaches to the anterior wall of the pancreas and duodenum, and divides the abdomen into a supramesocolic and an inframesocolic space.
