Middle colic artery

Middle Colic Artery

The superior mesenteric artery and its branches. The middle colic artery is visible at the center.

The Middle Colic Artery is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery that primarily supplies blood to the transverse colon. It is a crucial component of the circulatory system in the human anatomy.

Structure

The middle colic artery arises from the superior mesenteric artery, which is a branch of the abdominal aorta. It travels towards the transverse colon, where it divides into right and left branches. The right branch anastomoses with the right colic artery, and the left branch anastomoses with the left colic artery from the inferior mesenteric artery.

Function

The primary function of the middle colic artery is to supply oxygenated blood to the transverse colon. This is essential for the normal functioning of the digestive system.

Clinical significance

Knowledge of the middle colic artery's anatomy is crucial in surgeries involving the colon, such as colectomy and colon resection. Its damage can lead to ischemia or necrosis of the colon.

See also

• Superior mesenteric artery
• Inferior mesenteric artery
• Right colic artery
• Left colic artery