Cecal artery

The cecal artery and its branches.

The Cecal Artery is a branch of the ileocolic artery, which is itself a branch of the superior mesenteric artery. It supplies blood to the cecum, the first part of the large intestine.

Anatomy

The cecal artery typically arises from the ileocolic artery, although variations in its origin are common. It travels towards the cecum, giving off several branches along its course. These branches may include the appendicular artery, which supplies the appendix, and the anterior cecal and posterior cecal arteries, which supply the front and back of the cecum, respectively.

Clinical significance

Knowledge of the cecal artery's anatomy is important in surgical procedures involving the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as appendectomy and right hemicolectomy. Damage to the cecal artery during surgery can lead to ischemia of the cecum, with potentially serious consequences.

See also

• Arteries of the abdomen
• Ileocolic artery
• Superior mesenteric artery

References

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