The mesentery of small intestine, along its attachment to the posterior abdominal wall, crosses all of the following structures except
**Core Concept**
The mesentery of the small intestine is a fold of peritoneum that attaches the small intestine to the posterior abdominal wall, providing a route for blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves to reach the small intestine. This allows for the mobility of the small intestine and its blood supply.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The mesentery crosses several structures in the abdominal cavity, including the aorta, inferior vena cava, and the third part of the duodenum. The aorta and inferior vena cava are large blood vessels that supply and drain the abdominal organs, while the third part of the duodenum is a segment of the small intestine. The mesentery provides a route for these structures to be reached by blood vessels and nerves.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** The superior mesenteric artery and vein, not the inferior mesenteric artery and vein, are the main blood vessels that pass through the mesentery of the small intestine. The inferior mesenteric artery and vein supply the large intestine.
* **Option B:** The celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and inferior mesenteric artery are the three main branches of the abdominal aorta, but they do not pass through the mesentery of the small intestine. Instead, they arise from the abdominal aorta and supply different regions of the gastrointestinal tract.
* **Option C:** The portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile ducts form the portal triad, which passes through the lesser omentum, not the mesentery of the small intestine. The portal triad supplies the liver and drains the gastrointestinal tract.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The mesentery of the small intestine is a vital structure that provides a route for blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves to reach the small intestine. It is also a common site for various abdominal pathologies, including mesenteric ischemia, mesenteric panniculitis, and mesenteric cysts.
**Correct Answer:**
The correct answer is not provided in the question. However, based on the options given, the correct answer is likely **Option A:** The inferior mesenteric artery and vein do not pass through the mesentery of the small intestine, but rather supply the large intestine.