Jejunal artery

Jejunal Artery

The jejunal artery, a branch of the superior mesenteric artery, supplies the jejunum.

The jejunal artery is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery that supplies the jejunum, a part of the small intestine. It is part of the arterial supply to the gastrointestinal tract.

Anatomy

The jejunal arteries arise from the left side of the superior mesenteric artery. They are usually between twelve and fifteen in number, and are distributed to the jejunum. Each artery runs towards the intestinal mesentery, dividing into several branches and forming a series of arches, the arterial arcades. From these arcades, straight vessels known as vasa recta arise to supply the jejunum.

Clinical significance

The jejunal artery, like other arteries supplying the gastrointestinal tract, can be involved in various pathological conditions. These include ischemia, infarction, and mesenteric artery syndrome. Understanding the anatomy of the jejunal artery is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

See also

• Superior mesenteric artery
• Jejunum
• Small intestine
• Arterial supply to the gastrointestinal tract