sigmoid mesocolon

sigmoid mesocolon

[mez′ōkō′lən]

Etymology: Gk, sigma + eidos + mesos, middle, kolon

a fold of peritoneum that connects the sigmoid colon with the pelvic wall, forming a curved line of attachment with the apex of the curve located at the division of the left common iliac artery. The fold is continuous with the iliac mesocolon and ends in the median plane over the rectum at the level of the third sacral vertebra. Between the two layers of the fold are the sigmoid and the superior rectal vessels. Compare mesentery proper, transverse mesocolon.

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mesocolon

the mesentery that attaches the colon to the dorsal abdominal wall; it is called ascending, descending or transverse, according to the portion of the colon to which it attaches.

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ascending mesocolon

see mesocolon (above).

pelvic mesocolon

the peritoneum attaching the sigmoid colon to the dorsal abdominal wall. Called also sigmoid megacolon.

sigmoid mesocolon

see pelvic megacolon (above).