Superior Mesenteric Artery
Superior Mesenteric Artery
The Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) (pronunciation: suh-PEER-ee-or mes-en-TER-ic AR-ter-ee) is a large Blood vessel that supplies blood to the mid-section of the Abdomen. It is one of the three main arteries that branch off from the Abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the abdominal cavity.
Etymology
The term "Superior Mesenteric Artery" is derived from the Latin words 'superior' meaning 'above', 'mesenterium' which refers to the membrane in the abdomen, and 'arteria' meaning artery.
Anatomy
The Superior Mesenteric Artery originates from the anterior surface of the Abdominal aorta, just below the celiac trunk. It travels down the abdomen, supplying blood to the pancreas, small intestine, and part of the large intestine.
Related Terms
- Abdominal aorta: The main blood vessel in the abdominal cavity from which the Superior Mesenteric Artery originates.
- Blood vessel: A tubular structure carrying blood through the tissues and organs; a vein, artery, or capillary.
- Pancreas: A glandular organ in the digestive and endocrine system of vertebrates.
- Small intestine: The part of the gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and the large intestine.
- Large intestine: The final section of the gastrointestinal tract that performs the vital task of absorbing water and vitamins while converting digested food into feces.
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