Major artery arising from abdominal aorta, supplying small intestine, proximal colon
Expansion
Superior Mesenteric Artery
Purpose
Assess for occlusion (mesenteric ischaemia), dissection, stenosis
Clinical Context
Superior mesenteric artery: arises from anterolateral aorta at L1; supplies jejunum, ileum, caecum, ascending colon. Superior mesenteric artery thrombosis or dissection equals mesenteric ischaemia (high mortality).
Related Terms
- Superior mesenteric vein
- Mesenteric vasculature
Key Points
- Superior mesenteric artery occlusion equals acute mesenteric ischaemia; presents with abdominal pain and elevated lactate