Superior Mesenteric Artery

The Superior Mesenteric Artery is an Anterior Branch of the Abdominal Aorta. It supplies the Midgut and is a major artery that supplies the gastrointestinal tract from teh third portion of the duodenum to the proximal part of the transverse colon. The rotation of the midgut is around the axis of the Superior Mesenteric Artery.

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

  • Branches of the Superior Mesenteric Artery (Chart)

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