Cardiovascular system · Abdomen
Ileocolic artery !
The ileocolic artery is the last branch of the superior mesenteric artery; it feeds the end of the ileum, the cecum and the appendix.
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What it is
The last branch of the superior mesenteric artery, to the end of the ileum, cecum and appendix.
What it does
Supplies the ileocecal area; it gives the appendicular artery.
Key facts
- Origin
- Terminal branch of SMA, from its right side
- Branches
- Colic (ascending) branch, anterior and posterior cecal, appendicular and ileal branches
- Supplies
- Terminal ileum, cecum, appendix and start of ascending colon
Relations
- Course
- From the right side of the superior mesenteric artery it runs down and to the right in the root of the mesentery, crossing the superior mesenteric vein, toward the ileocecal junction, where it divides
- Behind
- Right ureter, right gonadal vessels and psoas major
- In front
- Peritoneum of the posterior abdominal wall and the root of the mesentery
How to find it
In laparoscopic right colectomy, pulling the cecum toward the right lower quadrant tents the ileocolic pedicle as a ridge at the base of the mesentery; the window opened beneath it leads onto the duodenum (medial-to-lateral approach).
On imaging
On CT, following the ileocolic vessels down and to the right leads to the cecum and the base of the appendix, a common way to find the appendix.
Common problems
- Mesenteric ischemia: a clot or narrowing starves the gut; severe pain 'out of proportion' to the examination. An emergency.
How it is diagnosed
CT angiography.
Treatment
- Restore flow (catheter or surgery) and remove dead bowel.
Clinical notes
- Tied at its origin beside the superior mesenteric vein in right hemicolectomy; complete mesocolic excision takes it with all its lymph nodes
- Too much traction on the pedicle can tear the superior mesenteric vein or its tributaries, a dangerous bleed
- Enlarged lymph nodes along it in mesenteric adenitis can mimic appendicitis
Anatomical variants
- Crosses in front of the superior mesenteric vein in about half of people and behind it in the rest, which matters when it is tied at its origin
- Often gives rise to the right colic artery; the appendicular artery may arise from any of its lower branches
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What does the ileocolic artery arise from and supply?
It is the terminal branch from the right side of the superior mesenteric artery; it supplies the terminal ileum, cecum, appendix and start of the ascending colon.
Why is the ileocolic artery the key landmark in right colon surgery?
It is present in more than 95% of people, unlike the variable right colic artery.
Which structures lie behind the ileocolic artery and must be kept down when the mesocolon is lifted?
The right ureter, the right gonadal vessels and psoas major.
What are the branches of the ileocolic artery?
A colic (ascending) branch, anterior and posterior cecal arteries, the appendicular artery and ileal branches.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- arteria ileocolica TA2 4258
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Arteria ileocólica
- English (TA2)
- Ileocolic artery
- Also called
- arteria iliocolica
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Ileocolic Artery; Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Superior Mesenteric Artery.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
