Colon vascular supply The colon is supplied by both the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries which are branches of the aorta.
The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) arise from the anterior surface of the aorta just below the celiac trunk at the level of the lower part of
L1.
SMA branches off the
ileocolic artery (abscent in 20% of population) which supplies the terminal ileum and proximal ascending colon, it also gives the
right colic and
middle colic arteries that supply the distal ascending colon and transverse colon respectively.
The inferior mesenteric artery arise from the aorta at about
L3 vertebral level, it gives the
left colic artery, several sigmoidal branches, and the superior rectal artery which supplies the proximal rectum.
Each of these arteries communicate via anastomoses through the
artery of Drummond, this circle of anastomoses is complete in only 15% to 20% of the population.
