Exploration of lymphatic structures of gastrointestinal tract

Inferior mesenteric lymph nodes and vessels, general view

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Image #141-4

Exploration of lymphatic structures of gastrointestinal tract Inferior mesenteric lymph nodes and vessels, general view The small intestine and its mesentery have been retracted to the right. The transverse colon has been elevated. The peritoneum has been removed from a large area to the left of the root of the mesentery and also from the area close to the splenic flexure of the colon. Lymphatic structures located along the course of branches of the inferior mesenteric artery have been preserved wherever possible. 1 . Middle colic artery 2 . Transverse colon (elevated) 3 . Liver 4 . Jejunum (retracted to the right) 5 . Mesenteries 6 . Ileum (retracted to the right) 7 . Pelvic cavity 8 . Left colic flexure 9 . Left colic lymph nodes 10 . Ascending branch of inferior mesenteric artery 11 . Duodenojejunal flexure 12 . Peritoneum (intact strip between dissected areas) 13 . Ascending part of duodenum 14 . Descending colon 15 . Psoas major muscle (covered by fascia) 16 . Fascia covering inferior mesenteric artery 17 . Sigmoid artery 18 . Inferior mesenteric lymph nodes 19 . Sigmoid colon