Arteria appendicularis

Arteria Appendicularis is a small artery that supplies blood to the appendix. It is a branch of the ileocolic artery, which is itself a branch of the superior mesenteric artery. The arteria appendicularis is of significant clinical importance due to its role in appendicitis.

Anatomy

The arteria appendicularis originates from the ileocolic artery, which is the lowest branch of the superior mesenteric artery. It travels along the mesoappendix, a fold of peritoneum that connects the appendix to the ileum and cecum. The arteria appendicularis typically runs along the free margin of the mesoappendix, supplying the appendix with oxygenated blood.

Clinical Significance

The arteria appendicularis is of particular clinical importance due to its role in appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix. If the arteria appendicularis becomes blocked, it can lead to ischemia and necrosis of the appendix, which can result in appendicitis. This is why prompt diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis, often through appendectomy, is crucial.

See Also

• Ileocolic artery
• Superior mesenteric artery
• Appendix
• Appendicitis
• Appendectomy