Vessel
Marginal artery of Drummond
Peripheral arterial connections along the colonic mesentery
High-yield
This peripheral network links SMA and IMA branches. Its caliber and continuity vary, especially near junctions between their territories.
Overview
The marginal artery is formed by communicating branches of the colic and sigmoid arteries near the colon's mesenteric edge. It distributes straight branches to the wall and provides a route for blood to pass between neighboring arterial territories.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Assembled from terminal connections of ileocolic, right/middle/left colic and sigmoid arterial branches.
- Course
- Follows the colon near its mesenteric border, with a variable pattern of continuity.
- Branches
- Gives vasa recta to the colonic wall.
- Supplies
- Distributes colonic blood and provides collateral links between adjacent mesenteric territories.
- Drains to
- Corresponding colonic veins return blood through superior or inferior mesenteric pathways to the portal system.
Clinical correlation
Collateral flow through the marginal network may become important when a major colonic artery is narrowed. It does not guarantee protection from ischemia, particularly where connections are small or incomplete.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the marginal artery of Drummond originate?
The marginal artery of Drummond arises from the assembled from terminal connections of ileocolic, right/middle/left colic and sigmoid arterial branches.
What does the marginal artery of Drummond supply?
The marginal artery of Drummond supplies the distributes colonic blood and provides collateral links between adjacent mesenteric territories.
Where does the marginal artery of Drummond drain to?
The marginal artery of Drummond drains to the corresponding colonic veins return blood through superior or inferior mesenteric pathways to the portal system.
What are the branches of the marginal artery of Drummond?
Branches of the marginal artery of Drummond include the gives vasa recta to the colonic wall.