Blood Supply of the Colon- Superior and Inferior Mesenteric Arteries

The AiA rendering shows the distribution of the inferior mesenteric artery  The inferior mesenteric artery (aka hindgut artery) originates from the aorta around L3 and is a fairly small vessel arising at an acute angle. In its proximal portion the vessels parallels the aorta for about 3-4cms.  Its branches include the left colic, sigmoid branches and superior rectal artery which supply the colon.  It collateralizes with the SMA via the marginal artery with a watershed region created in the splenic flexure.   Since this region is an end arterial circulation for the SMA and IMA it is potentially a weak link in the circulation predisposing it to ischemia.

Philosophically the importance of delivery of energy source (food) for the workers of the body is an essential component of any city whether it be the body or our community.

Description

The AiA rendering shows the distribution of the inferior mesenteric artery  The inferior mesenteric artery (aka hindgut artery) originates from the aorta around L3 and is a fairly small vessel arising at an acute angle. In its proximal portion the vessels parallels the aorta for about 3-4cms.  Its branches include the left colic, sigmoid branches and superior rectal artery which supply the colon.  It collateralizes with the SMA via the marginal artery with a watershed region created in the splenic flexure.   Since this region is an end arterial circulation for the SMA and IMA it is potentially a weak link in the circulation predisposing it to ischemia.

Philosophically the importance of delivery of energy source (food) for the workers of the body is an essential component of any city whether it be the body or our community.