Final answer:
The peritoneal fold that attaches the intestine to the dorsal body wall is known as the mesentery. It is part of the visceral peritoneum, providing an anchorage for the intestines and a conduit for vessels and nerves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that best defines the peritoneal fold attaching the intestine to the dorsal body wall is a) Mesentery. The mesentery is a double layer of peritoneum that extends from the body wall to the digestive organs, securely attaching the intestines to the wall of the abdomen. Each of the major peritoneal folds plays a significant role in holding the abdominal organs in place and providing a passage for blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves. The mesentery specifically refers to the structure that is associated with the small intestine.
The omental fold or omentum is another peritoneal fold that hangs down from the stomach and can contain fat deposits, while the peritoneum is the serous membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs. The mesocolon is a specific mesentery that attaches parts of the large intestine to the posterior abdominal wall.