Ileal vessels: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:59, 13 February 2025

Ileal Vessels

Illustration of the ileal vessels.

The ileal vessels are a group of blood vessels that supply the ileum, which is the final and longest segment of the small intestine. These vessels are crucial for providing the necessary blood flow to support the ileum's functions in digestion and nutrient absorption.

Anatomy

The ileal vessels primarily consist of branches from the superior mesenteric artery and the superior mesenteric vein.

Arterial Supply

The arterial supply to the ileum is provided by the ileal branches of the superior mesenteric artery. This artery arises from the abdominal aorta and supplies blood to a large portion of the small intestine, including the ileum.

Superior Mesenteric Artery: The superior mesenteric artery gives off numerous branches that form an extensive network of arcades, which further divide into vasa recta that directly supply the ileum.

Venous Drainage

The venous drainage of the ileum is through the superior mesenteric vein, which parallels the arterial supply and eventually drains into the portal vein.

Superior Mesenteric Vein: This vein collects blood from the ileum and other parts of the small intestine, transporting nutrient-rich blood to the liver via the portal vein.

Function

The ileal vessels play a vital role in maintaining the health and function of the ileum by ensuring an adequate blood supply. This blood flow is essential for:

Nutrient Absorption: The ileum is responsible for absorbing vitamin B12, bile salts, and any remaining nutrients not absorbed by the jejunum.
Immune Function: The ileum contains Peyer's patches, which are important for immune surveillance and response in the gastrointestinal tract.

Clinical Significance

Disorders of the ileal vessels can lead to significant clinical conditions, such as:

Ischemia: Reduced blood flow due to blockage or narrowing of the ileal vessels can cause ischemia, leading to pain and potential necrosis of the ileum.
Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions like Crohn's disease can affect the blood supply to the ileum, exacerbating symptoms and complications.

Related Pages

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-'''Ileal vessels''' are a group of [[blood vessels]] that supply the [[ileum]], the third and longest part of the [[small intestine]]. They are part of the [[mesenteric circulation]], which is responsible for supplying the [[digestive system]] with blood.
+== Ileal Vessels ==
-==Etymology==
+[[File:Ileal_vessels_Gray1069.png|thumb|right|Illustration of the ileal vessels.]]
-The term "ileal" is derived from the Latin word "ileum", which means "groin" or "flank". This is likely due to the location of the ileum in the lower part of the abdomen. The term "vessels" is derived from the Latin word "vas", which means "container" or "duct".
-==Anatomy==
+The '''ileal vessels''' are a group of blood vessels that supply the [[ileum]], which is the final and longest segment of the [[small intestine]]. These vessels are crucial for providing the necessary blood flow to support the ileum's functions in digestion and nutrient absorption.
-The ileal vessels consist of the ileal arteries and the ileal veins. The ileal arteries are branches of the [[superior mesenteric artery]], while the ileal veins drain into the [[superior mesenteric vein]]. These vessels run in the [[mesentery]] of the ileum, a fold of the [[peritoneum]] that attaches the small intestine to the posterior wall of the abdomen.
-==Function==
+=== Anatomy ===
-The primary function of the ileal vessels is to supply the ileum with oxygenated blood and nutrients, and to remove waste products. The ileum is responsible for the absorption of [[vitamin B12]], [[bile salts]], and any remaining nutrients not absorbed by the [[jejunum]].
-==Clinical significance==
+The ileal vessels primarily consist of branches from the [[superior mesenteric artery]] and the [[superior mesenteric vein]].
-Diseases or conditions that affect the ileal vessels can lead to serious health problems. For example, [[ischemia]] of the ileum can occur if the blood supply to the ileum is reduced or blocked, leading to tissue damage or death. This can be caused by conditions such as [[atherosclerosis]], [[thrombosis]], or [[embolism]].
-==See also==
+==== Arterial Supply ====
-* [[Ileum]]
+The arterial supply to the ileum is provided by the ileal branches of the superior mesenteric artery. This artery arises from the [[abdominal aorta]] and supplies blood to a large portion of the [[small intestine]], including the ileum.
+* '''Superior Mesenteric Artery''': The superior mesenteric artery gives off numerous branches that form an extensive network of arcades, which further divide into vasa recta that directly supply the ileum.
+==== Venous Drainage ====
+The venous drainage of the ileum is through the superior mesenteric vein, which parallels the arterial supply and eventually drains into the [[portal vein]].
+* '''Superior Mesenteric Vein''': This vein collects blood from the ileum and other parts of the small intestine, transporting nutrient-rich blood to the liver via the portal vein.
+=== Function ===
+The ileal vessels play a vital role in maintaining the health and function of the ileum by ensuring an adequate blood supply. This blood flow is essential for:
+* '''Nutrient Absorption''': The ileum is responsible for absorbing vitamin B12, bile salts, and any remaining nutrients not absorbed by the [[jejunum]].
+* '''Immune Function''': The ileum contains [[Peyer's patches]], which are important for immune surveillance and response in the gastrointestinal tract.
+=== Clinical Significance ===
+Disorders of the ileal vessels can lead to significant clinical conditions, such as:
+* '''Ischemia''': Reduced blood flow due to blockage or narrowing of the ileal vessels can cause ischemia, leading to pain and potential necrosis of the ileum.
+* '''Inflammatory Diseases''': Conditions like [[Crohn's disease]] can affect the blood supply to the ileum, exacerbating symptoms and complications.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Small intestine]]
 * [[Superior mesenteric artery]]
 * [[Superior mesenteric vein]]
-* [[Mesentery]]
+* [[Portal vein]]
-* [[Peritoneum]]
+* [[Crohn's disease]]
-==References==
-<references />
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
+[[Category:Anatomy of the digestive system]]
-[[Category:Digestive system]]
-[[Category:Blood vessels]]
-{{stub}}