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]]