In human anatomy, the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is the third main branch of the abdominal aorta and arises at the level of L3, supplying the large intestine from the distal transverse colon to the upper part of the anal canal. The regions supplied by the IMA are the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, and part of the rectum.

Structure

Origin

The IMA arises from the anterior aspect of the abdominal aorta.

A horseshoe kidney, a common (1 in 500) anomaly of the kidneys, will be positioned below the IMA.

Additional images

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File:Gray531.png|The abdominal aorta and its branches.

File:Gray537.png|The inferior mesenteric artery and its branches.

File:Gray847.png|Abdominal portion of the sympathetic trunk, with the celiac plexus and hypogastric plexus.

File:Gray1042.png|Duodenojejunal fossa.

File:Gray1121.png|Posterior abdominal wall, after removal of the peritoneum, showing kidneys, suprarenal capsules, and great vessels.

File:Gray1227.png|Front of abdomen, showing surface markings for arteries and inguinal canal.

File:Slide4nn.JPG|Inferior mesenteric artery

File:Slide2erer.JPG|Lumbar and sacral plexus. Deep dissection.Anterior view.

File:Slide1ewew.JPG|Lumbar and sacral plexus. Deep dissection.Anterior view.

File:Slide2ewew.JPG|Lumbar and sacral plexus. Deep dissection.Anterior view.

</gallery>

See also

  • Superior mesenteric artery

References

  • Lotti M. Anatomy in relation to left colectomy
  • - "Branches of the inferior mesenteric artery."
  • - "Posterior Abdominal Wall: Branches of the Abdominal Aorta"
  • - "Posterior Abdominal Wall, Dissection, Anterior View"