Mesenteric vessels

The mesenteric vessels are a group of blood vessels that supply and drain blood from the intestines. They are part of the splanchnic circulation, which is responsible for providing blood to the digestive system and its associated organs.

Anatomy

The mesenteric vessels consist of two main arteries and two main veins. The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) supply blood to the intestines, while the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) drain blood from the intestines.

Superior Mesenteric Artery

The SMA arises from the abdominal aorta, just below the celiac trunk. It supplies blood to the small intestine, cecum, ascending colon, and part of the transverse colon.

Inferior Mesenteric Artery

The IMA arises from the abdominal aorta, below the origin of the SMA. It supplies blood to the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum.

Superior Mesenteric Vein

The SMV drains blood from the small intestine, cecum, ascending colon, and part of the transverse colon. It joins the splenic vein to form the portal vein, which carries blood to the liver.

Inferior Mesenteric Vein

The IMV drains blood from the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. It typically drains into the splenic vein or the SMV.

Clinical Significance

Disorders of the mesenteric vessels can lead to serious conditions such as mesenteric ischemia, which is a lack of blood flow to the intestines. This can cause severe abdominal pain and, if left untreated, can result in intestinal necrosis and death.

Mesenteric artery thrombosis and mesenteric vein thrombosis are conditions where a blood clot forms in the mesenteric vessels, blocking blood flow. These conditions are medical emergencies and require immediate treatment.

See Also

• Splanchnic circulation
• Digestive system
• Abdominal aorta
• Portal vein

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