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Superior mesenteric artery

The artery of the midgut, from the third part of the duodenum to the proximal transverse colon.

Anatomy · Vascular anatomy

The SMA supplies the midgut

  • The third portion of the duodenum
  • The jejunum
  • The ileum
  • The cecum
  • The ascending colon
  • The proximal part of the transverse colon
  • The Superior Mesenteric Artery is at the L1 vertebral level
  • Anatomic relations of the Superior Mesenteric Artery
    • Anterior →
      • Pylorus of the stomach
      • Neck of the pancreas
      • Splenic vein
    • Posterior →
      • Uncinate process of the pancreas
      • Inferior portion of the duodenum
      • Left renal vein
  • Marginal Artery of Drummond
    • It is an anastomosis of the Superior and Inferior Mesenteric Arteries
      • SMA branches
        • Middle colic artery
        • Right colic artery
        • Ileocolic artery
      • IMA branches
        • Left colic artery
        • Sigmoid artery
    • The Arc of Riolan
      • Branches from the middle and left colic arteries
      • Site of direct communication between the SMA and IMA
      • Provides collateral blood flow during stenosis or occlusion

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Superior Mesenteric Artery (Branches)

  • Inferior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery
    • Branches
      • Anterior Branches
      • Posterior Branches
    • Supply
      • Head of the Pancreas
      • Inferior and Ascending parts of the Duodenum
  • Middle and Right Colic Arteries
    • Middle Colic
      • Proximal 2/3rd of Transverse Colon
      • Branches
        • Left Middle Colic
        • Right Middle Colic
    • Right Colic
      • Ascending Colon
      • Branches
        • Ascending Right Colic
        • Descending Right Colic
  • Ileocolic Artery
    • Ascending Colon
      • Colic Branch
    • Appendix
      • Appendicular Artery
    • Caecum
      • Anterior and Posterior Caecal Arteries
    • Ileum
      • Ileal Branch
  • jejunal and Ileal Arteries
    • Anastomotic Arcades
      • Vasa Recta
        • Ileal Vasa Recta are shorter
        • jejunal Vasa Recta are longer
  • Marginal Artery of Drummond
    • Formation
      • Superior Mesenteric Artery
      • Inferior Mesenteric Artery

      Their terminal branches anastomose to form the Marginal Artery of Drummond

Written by Dr Aparajeya Shanker, MD

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