Intestinal arteries

Intestinal arteries are a group of arteries that supply blood to the intestines. They are part of the abdominal aorta, the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. The intestinal arteries include the superior mesenteric artery, the inferior mesenteric artery, and the ileocolic artery.

Etymology

The term "intestinal arteries" is derived from the Latin words "intestinum", meaning "gut", and "arteria", meaning "windpipe, artery". This reflects the arteries' function of supplying blood to the intestines.

Superior mesenteric artery

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is one of the major arteries supplying the intestines. It arises from the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta, just below the level of the first lumbar vertebra. The SMA supplies blood to the pancreas, small intestine, and part of the large intestine.

Inferior mesenteric artery

The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is the third major branch of the abdominal aorta, and it supplies blood to the lower part of the large intestine. The IMA gives off several branches, including the left colic artery, the sigmoid arteries, and the superior rectal artery.

Ileocolic artery

The ileocolic artery is the final branch of the superior mesenteric artery, and it supplies blood to the ileum, the last part of the small intestine, and the cecum, the first part of the large intestine.

Related terms

• Abdominal aorta: The main blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs.
• Mesentery: A fold of tissue that attaches the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall, providing a pathway for the intestinal arteries and veins.
• Ileum: The last part of the small intestine.
• Cecum: The first part of the large intestine.

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  Diagram of the superior mesenteric artery and its branches.
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  The celiac artery and its branches.
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  The abdominal aorta and its branches.
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  The inferior mesenteric artery and its branches.
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  Intestinal arteries.
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  Intestinal arteries.