Mesenteron
- Pronunciation
- /meh-SEN-ter-on/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Mesenteron
- Plural
- Mesentera
Definition
The middle section of the alimentary canal in insects, responsible for the digestion and absorption of food.
Etymology
From Greek 'mesos', meaning 'middle', and 'enteron', meaning 'intestine'.
Example
Nutrients are absorbed in the mesenteron before being distributed to the rest of the insect's body.
Synonyms
Related Terms
- Foregut
- Hindgut
- Alimentary canal
- Digestion
Usage Notes
The mesenteron is lined with epithelial cells that secrete digestive enzymes and absorb nutrients.