Vessel
Inferior mesenteric artery
Artery of the hindgut
High-yield
Supplies hindgut (distal 1/3 transverse colon → upper rectum). The splenic flexure is a watershed zone vulnerable to ischemia.
Overview
The unpaired branch of the abdominal aorta at L3 that supplies the hindgut, from the distal transverse colon to the upper rectum.
Reference facts
- Type
- Muscular artery
- Origin
- Abdominal aorta (L3)
- Branches / tributaries
- Left colic artery; Sigmoid arteries; Superior rectal artery
- Supplies
- Hindgut: distal third of the transverse colon, descending and sigmoid colon, and upper rectum
- Course
- Arises from the anterior aorta at L3 and descends to the left into the pelvis
Frequently asked questions
Where does the inferior mesenteric artery originate?
The inferior mesenteric artery arises from the abdominal aorta (L3).
What does the inferior mesenteric artery supply?
Hindgut: distal third of the transverse colon, descending and sigmoid colon, and upper rectum.
What are the branches of the inferior mesenteric artery?
Branches of the inferior mesenteric artery include the left colic artery; Sigmoid arteries; Superior rectal artery.
What is the course of the inferior mesenteric artery?
Arises from the anterior aorta at L3 and descends to the left into the pelvis.