Mesenterialarterie

The mesenteric arteries are the primary blood vessels that supply the intestine. In humans, the two main vessels are the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Both arise from the abdominal aorta and distribute blood to different portions of the gut. The SMA originates from the aorta anteriorly, just below the celiac trunk, around the level of L1. It courses inferiorly, typically behind the neck of the pancreas and in front of the left renal vein, and gives branches to the pancreaticoduodenal region, as well as jejunal, ileal, ileocolic, right colic, and middle colic arteries. These branches supply most of the midgut, from the distal duodenum to about the proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon.

The IMA arises further down the aorta, near L3, and descends to the left. It supplies the hindgut through branches including the left colic artery, several sigmoidal arteries, and the superior rectal artery, nourishing the distal transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and upper rectum.

Anastomoses around the colon form collateral networks, such as the marginal artery of Drummond and, variably, Riolan’s arc, providing alternative routes for blood flow if one trunk is compromised.

Clinical relevance includes mesenteric ischemia from arterial occlusion or atherosclerosis, presenting with abdominal pain after meals and weight loss. Imaging typically uses CT angiography or catheter angiography.

Embryology notes that the SMA supplies the midgut and the IMA the hindgut. The term mesenteric artery or mesenterial artery is commonly used as a general reference.

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