mesentery proper /mez″ənter′ē/ [Gk, mesos + enteron, intestine; L, propius, more suitable] , a broad fan-shaped fold of peritoneum suspending the jejunum and the ileum from the dorsal wall of the abdomen. The root of the mesentery proper is about 15 cm long and is connected to certain structures ventral to the vertebral column. The intestinal border of the mesentery proper is about 6 m long and separates to enclose the intestine. The cranial part of the mesentery is narrow but widens to about 20 cm and suspends the small intestine and various nerves and arteries. Compare sigmoid mesocolon, transverse mesocolon.
