The small intestine acts to absorb liquified foods through the entirety of its 22 feet (6.7 meters) like a tube. It mixes enzymes with meals and extracts nutrients that must be distributed throughout the body. Since the mesentery helps holds the intestine to the abdominal wall, the mesentery plays a vital role. Hence, without the mesentery, which holds the intestines in place, the intestines run the risk of abnormal functioning.