Superior mesenteric a.

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 the intestine from the lower part of the duodenum through two-thirds of the transverse colon, as well as the pancreas.

The branches of the SMA include:

• inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery: head of the pancreas and to the ascending and inferior parts of the duodenum

• intestinal arteries: branches to ileum, branches to jejunum

• ileocolic artery: supplies last part of ileum, cecum, and appendix

• right colic artery: to ascending colon

• middle colic artery: to the transverse colon

The middle, right, and ileocecal branches anastomose with each other to form a marginal artery along the inner border of the colon. This artery is completed by branches of the left colic which is a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery.