The root (attachment) of the mesentery of the small intestine extends obliquely across the posterior abdominal wall. Which statement about it is correct?

• A It runs from the pylorus to the caecum along the right paracolic gutter
• B It is about 40 cm long, running horizontally across the third lumbar vertebra
• C It is about 15 cm long, running from the duodenojejunal flexure to the ileocaecal junction ✓
• D It is about 15 cm long, running from the left kidney to the right iliac fossa

Explanation

The root of the mesentery is roughly 15 cm long and runs from the duodenojejunal flexure, over the aorta, inferior vena cava, right ureter and right psoas, to the ileocaecal junction near the right sacroiliac joint. Its oblique course crosses the second part of the duodenum and the horizontal duodenum, explaining why a loop of jejunum can be trapped beneath it.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.