Superior mesenteric artery
Superior Mesenteric Artery
The Superior Mesenteric Artery (pronounced: suh-PEER-ee-or meh-sen-TER-ik AR-ter-ee) is a large blood vessel that supplies blood to the mid-section of the abdomen. It is a branch of the abdominal aorta, the main blood vessel in the abdominal cavity.
Etymology
The term "Superior Mesenteric Artery" is derived from the Latin words 'superior' meaning 'above', 'mesenteric' referring to the 'mesentery' (a fold of the peritoneum that attaches the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, spleen, and other organs to the posterior wall of the abdomen), and 'artery' meaning 'air holder'.
Function
The Superior Mesenteric Artery supplies blood to the lower part of the esophagus, the stomach, and the first half of the small intestine (including the duodenum, jejunum, and part of the ileum). It also supplies blood to the pancreas and part of the large intestine (the cecum and the appendix).
Related Terms
- Abdominal aorta: The main blood vessel in the abdominal cavity from which the Superior Mesenteric Artery branches off.
- Mesentery: A fold of the peritoneum that attaches the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, spleen, and other organs to the posterior wall of the abdomen.
- Peritoneum: The serous membrane forming the lining of the abdominal cavity.
- Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach.
- Jejunum: The part of the small intestine between the duodenum and ileum.
- Ileum: The third portion of the small intestine, between the jejunum and the cecum.
- Cecum: A pouch connected to the junction of the small and large intestines.
- Appendix: A tube-shaped sac attached to and opening into the lower end of the large intestine.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Superior mesenteric artery
- Wikipedia's article - Superior mesenteric artery
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