Intestinal artery

Intestinal artery

The intestinal arteries.

The Intestinal artery is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery that supplies blood to the small intestine. It is a vital part of the digestive system and plays a crucial role in the absorption of nutrients.

Anatomy

The intestinal artery branches off from the superior mesenteric artery, which itself is a branch of the abdominal aorta. The intestinal artery further divides into several smaller branches, each supplying a specific part of the small intestine. These include the jejunal arteries and ileal arteries, which supply the jejunum and ileum respectively.

Function

The primary function of the intestinal artery is to supply oxygenated blood to the small intestine. This is essential for the process of digestion, as the small intestine is responsible for the absorption of nutrients from food. The intestinal artery also carries away waste products from the small intestine, which are then excreted from the body.

Clinical significance

Damage or blockage of the intestinal artery can lead to serious health problems, including intestinal ischemia, a condition characterized by a lack of blood flow to the small intestine. This can cause severe abdominal pain and may require emergency medical treatment.

See also

• Superior mesenteric artery
• Abdominal aorta
• Digestive system