[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Abdomen](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/abdomen/) › Ileocolic artery [Cardiovascular system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/cardiovascular-system/) · [Abdomen](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/abdomen/) # Ileocolic artery The ileocolic artery is the last branch of the superior mesenteric artery; it feeds the end of the [ileum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ileum/), the cecum and the appendix. [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=abdomen&select=ileocolic_artery&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## 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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/appendicular-artery/). ## Key points - Present in more than 95% of people, unlike the variable [right colic artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/right-colic-artery/): the most reliable vessel for orientation in right colon surgery - Behind the peritoneum it crosses in front of the right ureter and right gonadal vessels, which are kept down when the [mesocolon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/mesocolon/) is lifted - Its lymph nodes are the first station for cancer of the [cecum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cecum/) and [appendix](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vermiform-appendix/) ## 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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ascending-colon/) ## Relations **Course** From the right side of the [superior mesenteric artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superior-mesenteric-artery/) it runs down and to the right in the root of the mesentery, crossing the [superior mesenteric vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superior-mesenteric-vein/), toward the ileocecal junction, where it divides **Behind** Right [ureter](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ureter/), right gonadal vessels and [psoas major](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/psoas-major/) **In front** [Peritoneum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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 - [Acute appendicitis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acute-appendicitis/) - [Acute mesenteric ischaemia](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acute-mesenteric-ischaemia/) - [Intussusception (children)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/intussusception/) ## 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. [Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/ileocolic-artery/) 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 - [Ileum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ileum/) - [Cecum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cecum/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Ileocolic Artery](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544262/); [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Superior Mesenteric Artery](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519560/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ileocolic-artery/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ileocolic-artery/