Section 6.18 – “The ex vivo mesentery”
After the mesenteric domain has been removed it can be examined
This represents an excellent opportunity
As ordinarily several regions of it are anatomically remote and difficult to characterise
The liver and spleen are immediately apparent at the periphery
So too is the stomach, which in this case has been opened up and the lumen is apparent
Once this is retracted to the right, and the greater omentum divided through
The anterior surface of the dorsal mesogastrium is apparent
This is smooth surfaced, and its lateral margin is formed by the greater omentum and spleen
Once the junction between the greater omentum and greater curvature of the stomach has been divided
The space between stomach and dorsal mesogastrium is entered
This is the lesser sac
Its posterior wall is formed by the dorsal mesogastrium
The body of the pancreas is in the inferior region of the dorsal mesogastrium
It extends obliquely from the second part of the duodenum to the hilum of the spleen
Sequentially lying in the mesoduodenal and mesogastric region of the mesentery
Examination of the ex vivo mesenteric domain provides several opportunities
For example, one immediately sees a continuity between the main body of the mesentery
And the portal pedicle
The portal pedicle contains the portal vein, common bile duct and hepatic artery