Marginal artery

Marginal artery

The Marginal artery is shown in this illustration from Gray's Anatomy.

The Marginal artery (also known as the artery of Drummond) is a blood vessel that runs along the inner margin of the colon and is part of the circulatory system. It is a continuous arterial circle that exists around the cecum and colon, and is formed by anastomoses of the superior mesenteric artery and the inferior mesenteric artery.

Structure

The Marginal artery begins near the ileocecal valve and extends to the rectum. It is located in the mesentery and runs parallel to the colon. The artery is formed by the anastomosis of the colic branch of the ileocolic artery, the right colic artery, the middle colic artery, and the left colic artery.

Function

The Marginal artery provides blood supply to the colon. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the blood supply to the colon during surgical procedures that involve the abdominal aorta or the mesenteric arteries.

Clinical significance

The Marginal artery is of clinical importance as it can provide an alternative route for blood flow in cases of ischemia or occlusion of the mesenteric arteries. However, the artery can be variable and may not provide sufficient blood supply in all individuals, leading to ischemic colitis in cases of occlusion.

See also

• Superior mesenteric artery
• Inferior mesenteric artery
• Ischemic colitis