Vessel
Right colic artery
Variable arterial route to the ascending colon
High-yield
Do not assume three independent SMA colic branches are always present. Ileocolic and middle-colic branches may provide the ascending colon's supply without a separate right-colic origin.
Overview
A right colic artery, when separately identifiable, carries blood toward the ascending colon and joins adjacent colic networks. It may arise directly from the SMA or from a shared arterial branch, and definitions of the vessel differ among studies.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Variable origin from the SMA, middle-colic or ileocolic system; a distinct artery may be absent.
- Course
- Passes rightward toward the ascending colon across the posterior abdominal region, with variable vascular relationships.
- Branches
- Ascending and descending branches usually connect toward middle-colic and ileocolic networks.
- Supplies
- Supplies ascending-colon and hepatic-flexure territory in combination with adjacent arteries.
- Drains to
- Right-colic venous return reaches the SMV directly or through variable shared venous trunks.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the right colic artery originate?
Variable origin from the SMA, middle-colic or ileocolic system; a distinct artery may be absent.
What does the right colic artery supply?
Supplies ascending-colon and hepatic-flexure territory in combination with adjacent arteries.
Where does the right colic artery drain to?
The right colic artery drains to the right-colic venous return reaches the SMV directly or through variable shared venous trunks.
What are the branches of the right colic artery?
Branches of the right colic artery include the ascending and descending branches usually connect toward middle-colic and ileocolic networks.