Left colic artery 4484825 188709514 2008-02-03T01:19:45Z 201.37.83.168 {{Infobox Artery | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Latin = arteria colica sinistra | GraySubject = 154 | GrayPage = 610 | Image = Gray537.png | Caption = The [[inferior mesenteric artery]] and its branches. (Left colic visible at center right.) | Image2 = Gray538.png | Caption2 = [[Sigmoid colon]] and [[rectum]], showing distribution of branches of [[inferior mesenteric artery]] and their anastomoses. (Left colic visible at center left.) | BranchFrom = [[inferior mesenteric]] | BranchTo = | Vein = [[left colic vein]] | Supplies = [[descending colon]] | MeshName = | MeshNumber = | DorlandsPre = a_61 | DorlandsSuf = 12153963 | }} The '''left colic artery''' runs to the left behind the [[peritoneum]] and in front of the [[psoas major]] muscle, and after a short, but variable, course divides into an ascending and a descending branch; the stem of the artery or its branches cross the left [[ureter]] and left [[internal spermatic arteries|internal spermatic vessels]]. The ascending branch crosses in front of the left [[kidney]] and ends, between the two layers of the [[transverse mesocolon]], by anastomosing with the [[middle colic artery]]; the descending branch anastomoses with the highest [[sigmoid arteries|sigmoid artery]]. From the arches formed by these anastomoses branches are distributed to the [[descending colon]] and the left part of the [[transverse colon]]. ==Additional images== <gallery> Image:Gray1041.png|Superior and inferior duodenal fossæ. Image:Gray1042.png|Duodenojejunal fossa. </gallery> ==External links== * {{NormanAnatomy|sup&infmesentericart}} * {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|39|05|01|05}} - "Intestines and Pancreas: Branches of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery" * {{SUNYAnatomyImage|8|5|85}} * {{SUNYAnatomyImage|8|6|58}} {{Gray's}} {{circulatory-stub}} {{Arteries of thorax and abdomen}} [[pt:Artéria cólica direita]]