Newly classified human organ: Mesentery

July 18, 2017   |   Evidence in Integrative Healthcare

For a century, the mesentery was thought to be made up of fragmented connective tissue elements. J. Calvin Coffey, a researcher from University Hospital Limerick in Ireland discovered evidence which reclassifies the mesentery as a separate organ. This was published in the Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2,4. The mesentery is one continuous organ, including large and small bowel, rectal region and pelvic floor; all communicating. This presents considerations for all integrative providers treating lumbar disc and vertebral problems that innervate the mesentery.  The mesenteric root spans from left transverse L2 down to the right sacroiliac joint and or ileocecal valve. Contractions and spasms of the mesentery has the ability to produce associated symptoms in adjacent fascia and soft tissues that activate with body core movements. Gray’s Anatomy is being updated in response to this information. Considerations that include abdominal and lumbo-sacral structures should be appreciated when symptoms from the patient are reported that may be associated with intestinal congestion of venous blood and lymph, stress, trauma, and bacterial, viral or parasitic infestation in treating these interconnected areas.