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