noun

mesentery

MES-en-ter-ee

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Mesentery (noun) means the fold of membrane that holds the intestines to the back wall of the abdomen and carries their blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics. Example: “The surgeon carefully separated the bowel from the mesentery.”

noun

anatomy The fold of membrane that holds the intestines to the back wall of the abdomen and carries their blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics.

"The surgeon carefully separated the bowel from the mesentery."

"Blood vessels run through the mesentery to reach the intestines."

"A diagram of the abdomen showed the mesentery holding the small intestine in place."

How to use mesentery

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe membrane that anchors your intestines to the back of your abdomen.

When to use it

It is a technical anatomical term, used mainly in medicine and biology.

Memory tip

Remember the Greek roots: mes- for middle and enter- for gut, so it is the tissue in the middle of the gut region.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

small bowel mesentery the root of the mesentery blood supply to the mesentery

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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The surgeon carefully separated the bowel from the _____.

Etymology

Mesentery comes from Late Latin mesenterium, which in turn came from the Ancient Greek mesentérion. The Greek word combines mésos, meaning middle, with énteron, meaning gut.

Origin: Late Latin

Rhymes for mesentery

very every fiery query leery artery celery bakery finery ornery misery watery

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Frequently asked questions

What is the mesentery?

It is the fold of tissue that anchors the bowel to the back of the abdomen, holding it in place. It also carries blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics to the intestines.

How do you pronounce mesentery?

In British English it is usually said MES-en-ter-ee, with the stress on the first syllable.

Where does the word mesentery come from?

It comes from Late Latin mesenterium, from Ancient Greek words meaning middle and gut.

What is the meaning of mesentery?

"mesentery" (noun) means the fold of membrane that holds the intestines to the back wall of the abdomen and carries their blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics.