Inferior mesenteric artery

Inferior Mesenteric Artery

The Inferior Mesenteric Artery (IMA) (pronounced: in-fee-ree-or meh-sen-ter-ik ar-ter-ee) is a significant blood vessel in the abdominal region of the human body. It is responsible for supplying blood to the lower part of the large intestine and a portion of the rectum.

Etymology

The term "Inferior Mesenteric Artery" is derived from the Latin words 'inferior' meaning 'lower', 'mesenteric' referring to the 'mesentery' (a fold of the peritoneum that attaches the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, spleen, and other organs to the posterior wall of the abdomen), and 'artery' meaning 'air holder'.

Anatomy

The Inferior Mesenteric Artery originates from the anterior surface of the aorta, about 3 to 4 cm above the bifurcation of the aorta. It travels down the left side of the abdominal aorta and gives off several branches, including the left colic artery, sigmoid arteries, and the superior rectal artery.

Branches

• Left Colic Artery - Supplies the descending colon.
• Sigmoid Arteries - Supply the sigmoid colon.
• Superior Rectal Artery - Supplies the upper part of the rectum.

Clinical Significance

The Inferior Mesenteric Artery plays a crucial role in the blood supply to the large intestine. Any obstruction or damage to this artery can lead to serious medical conditions such as ischemic colitis or mesenteric ischemia.

Related Terms

• Aorta
• Abdomen
• Large Intestine
• Rectum
• Peritoneum
• Ischemic Colitis
• Mesenteric Ischemia

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Inferior mesenteric artery
• Wikipedia's article - Inferior mesenteric artery

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