Mesenteric arteries

The superior and inferior mesenteric arteries arise from the abdominal aorta. The superior mesenteric artery arises at the level of the first lumbar vertebra at the same level as the renal artery. The inferior mesenteric artery arises at the level of the third lumbar vertebra.

Mesenteric arteries

On the picture - The superior and inferior mesenteric arteries and their branches. 

The superior mesenteric artery supplies the small intestine and the ascending colon. It gives off the following branches—the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, the right colic artery supplying the right colic flexure, the middle colic artery supplying the ascending colon and the ileocolic artery supplying the ileocaecal region. The inferior mesenteric artery supplies the descending colon and part of the rectum.

More details:  📖 Sobotta Atlas of Anatomy Internal Organs 16th Edition

A = abdominal aorta, B = celiac trunk, C = superior mesenteric artery, D = inferior mesenteric artery

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