(From mesente-rium, the mesentery). The upper mesenteric artery, called colica, seu mesenterica superior, rises somewhat below the coeliac. The aorta a little above its division gives off the inferior, viz. the colica sinistra seu mesenterica inferior, to the left side upon the mesocolon, the lowest branch of which goes to the extremity of the anus, and forms the haemorrhoidal artery. The upper branches anastomose with the superior mesenteric, and are azygous. The upper mesenteric branch forms a large arch in its course from the right side to the left of the mesentery; and from its convex side many branches pass to the intestines, where they communicate by reciprocal arches. A few branches go from the concave sides, spreading themselves in the mesocolon, colon, etc.

Mesentericae glandulae. The mesenteric glands. The lymphatic glands in the mesentery are larger in young than in old subjects; and, if not the proper seat of scrofula, they are always affected in that disease.