The Mesentery: A New Organ in the Human Body

Researchers say that a part of the abdominal wall should be considered a new organ of the human body. New anatomical studies of the abdominal area and a part of its internal wall known as the mesentery indicate that this organ should be classified as the seventy-ninth organ of the human body. The Scientist magazine states that the mesentery surrounds the small intestine and connects the lower abdominal area, including the intestines, to the rest of the human body. The scientific community has previously regarded the mesentery as an auxiliary organ, but J. Calvin Coffey and his colleagues at the University of Limerick in Ireland, after examining all its components and discovering its functions, have proposed that it be recognized as a new organ of the human body. J. Calvin Coffey stated in a press release defending his theory: 'We say there is an organ in the human body whose role has not been accepted as a separate organ until now. The theories of the past hundred years regarding the identification and description of this organ have been incorrect. This organ, contrary to previous theories, does not have a separate state but is a homogeneous and integrated structure.' The first description of the mesentery in the nineteenth century characterized it as a heterogeneous and scattered tissue around the internal wall of the abdominal area. This theory remains strong in contemporary medical texts. However, research by the University of Limerick researchers shows that the mesentery is an integrated tissue that almost covers the internal wall of the lower abdominal area. J. Calvin Coffey states that by adding this lesser-known organ to the list of organs such as the heart, lungs, and liver, the number of human organs will reach 79. Furthermore, with more focused research on the mesentery, new ways to treat diseases will likely be discovered. CNN also notes the new research, reminding that Leonardo da Vinci believed the mesentery was an integrated and independent organ, and his theory was valid for centuries until in 1885, Frederick Treves claimed that the mesentery consisted of tissues scattered in various parts of the inner abdominal lining, including around the small intestine, the middle sections of the large intestine, and the end of the large intestine. Prior to that, another scientist named Karl Toldt had recognized the position and function of the mesentery as a single organ in 1887, but Frederick Treves's theory prevailed, and as a result, the mesentery was never accepted as a separate organ. The main function of the mesentery is to connect the internal organs of the abdomen to our body, which is a difficult and vital task. One of its functions is to transfer blood and lymphatic fluids between the intestines and the rest of the body. At the same time, it connects the intestines in their specific position to the internal wall of the abdominal area without the intestines and abdominal lining having direct contact. J. Calvin Coffey states: 'Maintaining the intestines in such a position is vital for their function because if they were adhered to the abdominal wall, they would not be able to perform the contraction and expansion tasks. The mesentery keeps the intestines in position under all conditions, whether we are sitting or walking, so they do not fall into the depth of the abdominal cavity and can perform their functions well.' Although researchers are aware of the important role of the mesentery in the functioning of the intestines, vascular network, endocrine glands, heart and vessels, and the immune system, determining the exact role of this organ in body function requires further research.