Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which structure acts to connect the small intestine to the abdominal wall?

1. Mesentery

2. Peritoneum

3. Omentum

4. Vasa recta

The correct answer is: Mesentery

The mesentery is the correct structure for connecting the small intestine to the abdominal wall. It is a fold of peritoneum that supports the small intestine and contains blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics that supply the intestines. The mesentery not only anchors the small intestine in place but also allows for the movement and flexibility necessary for digestive processes, while ensuring that vital structures remain connected and functional. The peritoneum, while it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers abdominal organs, does not specifically function as a connector for the small intestine to the abdominal wall. It plays a broader role in providing a protective lining for the abdominal organs. The omentum, typically referring to the greater omentum, is a peritoneal fold extending from the stomach over the intestines, and it primarily functions in fat storage and immune response, rather than directly connecting the small intestine to the abdominal wall. Vasa recta are small blood vessels that branch off from larger vessels supplying the intestines, providing blood supply but not serving as a connective structure.