Knowledge Builders

what is the function of the mesenteric artery

by Graciela Kshlerin Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

The superior mesenteric artery provides oxygenated blood and nutrients to the intestines. These organs are part of the digestive system. The artery branches off of the aorta, which is the body's largest blood vessel. Superior refers to the artery's location above other arteries that supply the intestines.Jul 26, 2021

Full Answer

What does the mesenteric arteries do?

Three main arteries, called the mesenteric arteries, supply blood to your small and large intestines. Narrowing or blockage in these arteries reduces the amount of blood that travels to your digestive tract.

What causes superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome?

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome causes include:

  • Lost weight
  • Use of body casts
  • Growing rapidly
  • Prolonged bed rest
  • Abdominal surgery
  • Loss of tone in the abdominal wall
  • Lordosis (a lower back condition that causes the spine to curve inward)

What does superior mesenteric artery syndrome stand for?

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a digestive condition that occurs when the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) is compressed between two arteries (the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery). This compression causes partial or complete blockage of the duodenum. [1]

How is superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome treated?

The first line of treatment for superior mesenteric artery syndrome is nonsurgical management that includes: People with superior mesenteric artery syndrome may be advised to eat very small meals. Good nutrition helps to boost the mesenteric fat pad. That may improve the symptoms of superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

image

What does the mesenteric artery supply?

The superior mesenteric artery supplies the midgut from the ampullary region of the second part of the duodenum to the splenic flexure of the large intestine. The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery arises from the SMA and, along with the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery, supplies the head of the pancreas.

Which organs receive blood from the mesenteric arteries?

The superior mesenteric artery arises from the abdominal aorta just below the celiac artery. Its branches supply the small intestine and part of the large intestine.

What does the SMA supply blood to?

In human anatomy, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) arises from the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta, just inferior to the origin of the celiac trunk, and supplies blood to the intestine from the lower part of the duodenum through two-thirds of the transverse colon, as well as the pancreas.

What happens when the mesenteric artery is blocked?

In mesenteric ischemia, a blockage in an artery cuts off blood flow to a portion of the intestine. Mesenteric ischemia (mez-un-TER-ik is-KEE-me-uh) occurs when narrowed or blocked arteries restrict blood flow to your small intestine. Decreased blood flow can permanently damage the small intestine.

What artery feeds the bowel?

superior mesenteric arteryThe superior mesenteric artery provides oxygenated blood and nutrients to the intestines. These organs are part of the digestive system. The artery branches off of the aorta, which is the body's largest blood vessel. Superior refers to the artery's location above other arteries that supply the intestines.

What artery feeds the colon?

The inferior mesenteric artery splits from the abdominal aorta inferior to the superior mesenteric artery. It divides into three branches to provide blood to the large intestine. The left colic artery provides blood to the tissues of the descending colon, while the sigmoid artery provides blood to the sigmoid colon.

Is superior mesenteric artery life threatening?

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A rare but life threatening disease.

Which body part of the patient is at risk for superior mesenteric artery syndrome?

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare condition that involves compression of the third portion of the duodenum which is the upper part of the small intestines just past the stomach.

What organs does the inferior mesenteric artery supply?

Vascular supply The inferior mesenteric artery, also a branch of the abdominal aorta, supplies the distal third of the transverse colon, the descending colon and sigmoid colon, and the superior portion of the rectum as the superior hemorrhoidal artery.

What causes narrowing of the mesenteric artery?

It's almost always caused by a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. This is often called "hardening of the arteries," or atherosclerosis. The buildup can narrow the arteries and reduce or block blood flow to the intestines.

How serious is a blocked artery in the stomach?

Sudden, complete blockage of the superior mesenteric artery causes severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting and is a medical emergency. Initially, most people with such a blockage vomit and feel an urgent need to have a bowel movement.

What are the symptoms of a blocked artery in the stomach?

SymptomsSudden abdominal pain that may be mild, moderate or severe.An urgent need to have a bowel movement.Frequent, forceful bowel movements.Abdominal tenderness or distention.Blood in your stool.Mental confusion in older adults.

What organs are supplied by the inferior mesenteric artery?

The inferior mesenteric artery, also a branch of the abdominal aorta, supplies the distal third of the transverse colon, the descending colon and sigmoid colon, and the superior portion of the rectum as the superior hemorrhoidal artery.

What organs are served by the anterior mesenteric artery?

The anterior mesenteric artery goes to the intestine and its valves. Just posterior to it is the gastrosplenic artery to the spleen, stomach and dorsal lobe of the pancreas. A little ways posterior to this branch is the posterior mesenteric artery leading to the rectal gland.

Where does the inferior mesenteric artery supply blood to?

The IMA supplies blood to the distal one-third of the transverse colon, descending colon and proximal two-thirds of the rectum.

Where does the superior mesenteric artery drain into?

It terminates by uniting with the splenic vein and forming the portal vein. The main function of the superior mesenteric vein is to drain the blood from the distal portion of the gastrointestinal tract....Superior mesenteric vein.Drains fromUnion of tributaries from the terminal ileum, caecum and vermiform appendixDrains toHepatic portal vein2 more rows•May 11, 2020

Where is the superior mesenteric artery located?

The superior mesenteric artery arises from anterior surface of abdominal aorta about 1 cm inferior to celiac trunk at level of first lumbar vertebra and extends inferiorly and anteriorly between layers of mesentery (portion of peritoneum that attaches small intestine to posterior abdominal wall).

What is the mesentery?

The mesentery is a translucent sheet that suspends the intestines and other abdominal viscera from the posterior body wall. The mesentery contains numerous arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels that supply and drain the intestines.

What causes mesenteric artery stenosis?

Mesenteric artery stenosis results in insufficient blood flow to the small intestine, causing intestinal ischemia. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is usually due to atherosclerosis, but is rarely caused by extensive fibromuscular disease or trauma.

What is the angle of the superior mesenteric artery?

The superior mesenteric artery usually forms an angle of approximately 45° (range, 38-56°) with the abdominal aorta, and the third part of the duodenum crosses caudal to the origin of the superior mesenteric artery, coursing between the superior mesenteric artery and aorta 4).

What is the long term outlook for mesenteric artery syndrome?

The long-term outlook (prognosis) can depend on whether the condition is diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.

Which arteries have ostial disease?

The celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and inferior mesenteric artery usually have ostial disease and occlusions are typically found in the proximal few centimeters of these arteries. Chronic mesenteric ischemia results when at least two of the three major splanchnic arteries have severe stenosis.

Which aortogram is best for proximal mesenteric artery?

Biplanar aortography, including selective engagement of the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and inferior mesenteric artery, remains the diagnostic test of choice. Lateral abdominal aortograms are optimal to visualize the origin and the proximal portion of the mesenteric arteries.

What are the issues with the superior mesenteric artery?

Among the issues that can arise from the superior mesenteric artery are those related to decreased blood supply coming through the vessel. This can happen both suddenly (acute mesenteric ischemia) or progressively over time (chronic mesenteric ischemia). Other times the artery itself can exert mechanical pressure on a portion ...

What is the name of the artery that exerts pressure on the small intestine?

Other times the artery itself can exert mechanical pressure on a portion of the small intestine called the duodenum. This can lead to a range of dangerous symptoms, including sudden weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, and others. . 2 . SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images.

What is the clinical significance of SMA?

Clinical Significance. A number of conditions and diseases can affect the SMA affecting its ability to deliver oxygenated blood, and the resulting complications can be dangerous and even deadly. Notably, this artery can become subject to narrowing, affecting blood flow and leading to a condition called “acute mesenteric ischemia.”.

What is the SMA in anatomy?

Clinical Significance. A major artery of the abdomen, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is a primary source of blood from the heart for many organs of the midgut, all of which are associated with the digestive system. Via its branches, it supplies important parts of the small intestine, including the lower portion ...

Where does the common hepatic artery originate?

Variant origin of common hepatic artery: As above, the common hepatic artery (another one that delivers blood to the liver) originates from the SMA in 1% to 3% of people. Common trunk: In rarer cases—less than 1%—doctors have observed a “celiacomesenteric trunk,” in which the SMA and the celiac trunk ...

What is the function of the SMA?

As noted, the primary task of the SMA is to supply important parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, the artery and its branches deliver oxygenated blood to the lower portion of the duodenum, jejenum, ileum, cecum, and ascending colon as well as parts of the transverse colon (the latter two regions making up what’s known as the “splenic flexure”). 2  As such, it serves an essential role in digestion, ensuring that the small intestines and pancreas are provided with the oxygen they need to serve their purposes.

Which artery is the marginal artery of Drummond?

Marginal artery of Drummond: All three colic arteries and the IMA access the colon, and, in doing so, form this intricate, interconnected lattice of arteries (known as an “arterial arcade”).

What is the inferior mesenteric artery?

The inferior mesenteric artery arises from the abdominal aorta at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. It supplies the hindgut and has four major branches called left colic, sigmoid and superior rectal arteries. It also contributes to the formation of the marginal artery of Drummond. The gastrointestinal tract extends from the mouth to the rectum. It is comprised of a number of hollow organs that enable us to process, digest and gain nutrients from the food we eat. Its various parts are specialized to absorb certain nutrients and vitamins, for example, essential micronutrients like vitamin B12 are absorbed in the terminal ileum.

Which arterial is formed by the anastomosis of the terminal branches of the superior and inferior mesente

Marginal artery of Drummond: This is a continuous arterial arcade that runs along the internal border of the colon, and is formed by the anastomosis of the terminal branches of the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries.

Which artery is vulnerable to ischaemia?

The left colic (a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery) and the middle colic (a branch of the superior mesenteric artery) have a focally small anastomosis, which makes the splenic flexure a watershed area that is vulnerable to ischaemia.

Which artery is the ascending branch anastomoses with?

The ascending branch anastomoses with branches of the middle colic artery (a branch of the superior mesenteric artery), and the descending branch anastomoses with the first sigmoid arter y. Sigmoid arteries: The sigmoid colon is around 40 cm in length, and is S-shaped.

Which artery is the marginal artery of Drummond?

The area of the colon supplied by the left colic artery overlaps with the middle colic artery (a branch of the superior mesenteric artery), forming the marginal artery of Drummond. The superior rectal artery anastomoses with the middle and inferior rectal arteries.

Which artery supplies the distal third of the transverse colon?

Each of these arteries give off major branches that supply regions of the gastrointestinal tract. The inferior mesenteric artery arises from the abdominal aorta at the level of the third lumbar vertebra, making it the third major unpaired branch of the abdominal aorta. It supplies the distal third of the transverse colon, the splenic flexure, ...

Which artery has ascending and descending branches?

Branches. Left colic artery: This is the first branch of the inferior mesenteric artery, and its initial section runs retroperitoneally and crosses in front of the left kidney and the psoas major muscle. It has both an ascending and a descending branch. The ascending branch anastomoses with branches of the middle colic artery ...

Where is the mesentery located?

The mesentery is found in your abdomen, where it surrounds your intestines. It comes from the area on the back side of your abdomen where your aorta branches off to another large artery called the superior mesenteric artery. This is sometimes referred to as the root region of the mesentery.

What is the function of lymph nodes in the mesentery?

Lymph nodes in the mesentery can sample bacteria from your intestines and generate an immune response when necessary. Your mesentery can also produce a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a sign of inflammation.

What happens if the mesentery doesn't form?

If the mesentery doesn’t properly form during fetal development, the intestines can collapse or twist. This than lead to blocked blood vessels or tissue death in the abdomen, which are both serious conditions. Your mesentery also contains lymph nodes.

What is the region of the colon that connects to the pelvic wall?

This region connects your sigmoid colon to your pelvic wall. Your sigmoid colon is the region of your colon just before your rectum. Mesorectum. This part of the mesentery is connected to your rectum.

Why remove part of mesentery after bowel resection?

In addition, removing part of the mesentery may be an effective way to reduce the chance of Crohn’s disease returning after a bowel resection.

Which part of the mesentery connects the transverse colon to the posterior abdominal wall?

Transverse mesocolon. This broad region of the mesentery connects your transverse colon to your posterior abdominal wall. Your transverse colon is the largest section of your large intestine. Left mesocolon. Like the right mesocolon, this area of the mesentery also runs flat along your posterior abdominal wall.

What are the two regions of the mesentery?

This region is connected to your small intestine, specifically the jejunum and ileum regions. These are the last two regions of your small intestine before it connects to your large intestine. Right mesocolon.

What is the inferior mesenteric artery?

The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) brings oxygen-rich blood to the large intestine, specifically to the upper region of the rectum and the left colic flexure, a bend at the intestine’s left side.

What is the IMA vein?

The IMA also has a similarly named venal counterpart, the inferior mesenteric vein. This vessel drains deoxygenated blood from areas within the large intestine and it feeds into the splenic vein. From there, blood eventually moves back to the heart, pulmonary artery, and lungs for a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients, as well as recirculation.

Where is the IMA located?

The IMA serves the part of the rectum near the descending and sigmoid colons. As it runs its course, the IMA branches into the left colic and the superior rectal arteries, as well as the sigmoid branches. The IMA also has a similarly named venal counterpart, the inferior mesenteric vein.

What is the superior mesenteric artery?

The Superior Mesenteric Artery. The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is a major artery of the abdomen. It arises from the abdominal aorta, and supplies arterial blood to the organs of the midgut – which spans from the major duodenal papilla (of the duodenum) to the proximal 2/3 of the transverse colon.

What causes superior mesenteric artery occlusion?

There are a number of cause of superior mesenteric artery occlusion, including thrombosis, embolism, abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection. Often acute, occlusion of the SMA restricts blood flow to the midgut, resulting in intestinal ischaemia.

Which arterial artery supplies the transverse colon?

In contrast, the ileal blood supply is marked by more arterial arcades with shorter vasa recta. Middle and Right Colic Arteries. The right and middle colic arteries arise from the right side of the superior mesenteric artery to supply the colon: Middle colic artery - supplies the transverse colon.

Which artery is the first branch of the SMA?

The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery is the first branch of the SMA. It forms anterior and posterior vessels, which anastomose with branches of the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery (derived from the coeliac trunk).

Which artery passes inferiorly and to the right?

The ileocolic artery is the final major branch of the superior mesenteric artery. It passes inferiorly and to the right, giving rise to branches to the ascending colon, appendix, cecum, and ileum. In cases of appendectomy, the appendicular artery is ligated.

Which artery gives rise to numerous arteries that supply the jejunum and ileum?

The superior mesenteric artery gives rise to numerous arteries that supply the jejunum and ileum. The arteries pass between the layers of the mesentery and form anastomotic arcades – from which smaller, straight arteries (known as the “vasa recta”) arise to supply the organs (fig 2).

Which artery gives rise to various branches that supply the small intestines, cecum, ascending and part

Major Branches. The superior mesenteric artery then gives rise to various branches that supply the small intestines, cecum, ascending and part of the transverse colon (fig 1). Fig 1 – The superior mesenteric artery and its branches.

What is the function of the mesentery?

The mesentery has several functions in the abdomen: Suspends the small and large intestine from the posterior abdominal wall; anchoring them in place, whilst still allowing some movement. Provides a conduit for blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic vessels.

What is the mesentery?

The mesentery is a double fold of peritoneal tissue that suspends the small intestine and large intestine from the posterior abdominal wall. It was previously thought to be a collection of discrete structures - each with separate insertions into the posterior wall.

What is the double fold of peritoneal tissue that suspends the small intestine and large intestine

The Mesentery. The mesentery is a double fold of peritoneal tissue that suspends the small intestine and large intestine from the posterior abdominal wall. It was previously thought to be a collection of discrete structures – each with separate insertions into the posterior wall.

What is the clinical significance of volvulus?

Clinical Relevance: Intestinal Volvulus. A volvulus occurs when a loop of intestine twists around itself and its mesentery, causing obstruction of the bowel. It is possible that the bowel will twist tightly enough to prevent the blood supply to the intestine, and result in bowel infarction.

How is the mesentery formed?

The mesentery is formed by a double layered fold of peritoneum. Although the mesentery is now thought to be a contiguous structure , subsections of the mesentery can be named according to the viscera it is associated with.

Which structure is used to mark the distinction between different portions of the mesentery?

These flexures are often used to mark the distinction between different portions of the mesentery: Mesentery of the small intestine - connects the loops of jejunum and ileum to the posterior abdominal wall and is a mobile structure. (1) Right mesocolon - flattened against the posterior abdominal wall (2)

Which structure connects the loops of jejunum and ileum to the posterior abdominal wall?

Mesentery of the small intestine – connects the loops of jejunum and ileum to the posterior abdominal wall and is a mobile structure. (1) Mesosigmoid – has a medial portion which is flattened against the posterior abdominal wall, whereas the region of mesentery associated with the sigmoid colon itself is mobile.

image

1.Superior Mesenteric Artery: Anatomy & Function

Url:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21679-superior-mesenteric-artery

13 hours ago The superior mesenteric artery is a peripheral artery in the body’s circulatory system. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Peripheral arteries circulate blood to parts of the body farther from the heart. The superior mesenteric artery provides blood to the: Pancreas.

2.Mesenteric artery anatomy, function, branches

Url:https://healthjade.com/mesenteric-artery/

32 hours ago Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is described as the loss of the intervening mesenteric fat pad (fatty tissue that surrounds the superior mesenteric artery) between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery, leading to narrowing of the angle between the two vessels, which in turn causes compression of the third portion of the duodenum 2). Superior mesenteric artery …

3.Superior Mesenteric Artery: Anatomy, Function, and …

Url:https://www.verywellhealth.com/superior-mesenteric-artery-anatomy-4800189

12 hours ago  · According to other 2016 research, the main functions of the mesentery include: holding the intestines in place; housing lymph nodes …

4.Inferior mesenteric artery: Anatomy and function | Kenhub

Url:https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/inferior-mesenteric-artery

3 hours ago  · Function. The mesentery has several functions in the abdomen: Suspends the small and large intestine from the posterior abdominal wall; anchoring them in place, whilst still allowing some movement. Provides a conduit for blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic vessels. Postulated to play a pathological role in inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease.

5.Mesenteric arteries - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesenteric_arteries

30 hours ago  · The superior mesenteric artery provides blood to the: Pancreas. Small intestine, including the duodenum (part that connects the small intestine to the stomach). Large intestine. What happens if the superior mesenteric artery is blocked? In mesenteric ischemia, a blockage in an artery cuts off blood flow to a portion of the intestine.

6.Videos of What Is The Function Of The Mesenteric Artery

Url:/videos/search?q=what+is+the+function+of+the+mesenteric+artery&qpvt=what+is+the+function+of+the+mesenteric+artery&FORM=VDRE

30 hours ago

7.Mesentery: Definition, Picture, Anatomy, and Function

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/mesentery

18 hours ago

8.Inferior Mesenteric Artery Anatomy, Function & Diagram

Url:https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/inferior-mesenteric-artery

30 hours ago

9.The Superior Mesenteric Artery - Position

Url:https://teachmeanatomy.info/abdomen/vasculature/arteries/superior-mesenteric/

3 hours ago

10.The Mesentery - Function - Structure - TeachMeAnatomy

Url:https://teachmeanatomy.info/abdomen/viscera/mesentery/

13 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9