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Mesenteric lymph nodes
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Mesenteric lymph nodes are nodes like the ones in the neck or the groin, except that they live inside the abdomen, in the mesentery, the membrane that holds the intestine in place and carries its vessels.
Their job is the same as that of any node: to filter lymph, the fluid that collects what the tissues leave behind. Inside them, cells called macrophages break particles down, and antigen-presenting cells trap whole microorganisms, malignant cells and antigens, which are the pieces by which a microbe is recognized.
What reaches them comes from the intestine. The intestinal wall has clusters of defense tissue called Peyer's patches, and a germ that lodges there can travel along lymphatic pathways to these nodes. They are the filters in a pipe, placed right where the water leaves the dirtiest stretch.
When they become inflamed, it is called mesenteric adenitis. It causes pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, and it is common in children and young adults.
In brief
Mesenteric lymph nodes are the lymph nodes embedded in the mesentery of the intestine.
Like any node, they filter lymph: macrophages break down particles, and antigen-presenting cells capture malignant cells, antigens and microorganisms.
A germ that lodges in the gut's Peyer's patches can reach them through lymphatic pathways.
The filters in a pipe, placed right where the water leaves the dirtiest stretch.
When they become inflamed, the result is mesenteric adenitis, right lower quadrant pain that is common in children and young adults.
Sources (2)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingMesenteric Adenitis, StatPearlsPublished
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingAnatomy, Lymph Nodes, StatPearlsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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