Left colic artery
Template:Short description Template:Main other Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherTemplate:Main otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The left colic artery is a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery distributed to the descending colon, and left part of the transverse colon. It ends by dividing into an ascending branch and a descending branch;[1] the terminal branches of the two branches go on to form anastomoses with the middle colic artery, and a sigmoid artery (respectively).[2]Template:Rp
Structure
The left colic artery usually represents the dominant arterial supply to the left colic flexure.[2]Template:Rp
Course
The left colic artery passes to the left posterior to the peritoneum. After a short but variable course, it divides into an ascending branch and a descending branch.[1]
Branches and anastomoses
Ascending branch
The ascending branch passes superior-ward. It passes anterior to the (ipsilateral) psoas major muscle, gonadal vessels, ureter, and kidney; it passes posterior to the inferior mesenteric vein. Its terminal branches form anastomoses with those of the middle colic artery; it also forms anastomoses with the descending branch (of the left colic artery).[2]Template:Rp
Descending branch
The descending branch passes inferolaterally.[2]Template:Rp It forms anastomoses with the superior-most sigmoid artery[1] as well as the ascending branch (of the left colic artery), thereby participating in the formation of the marginal artery of the colon.[2]Template:Rp
Variation
The left colic artery may have a common origin with a sigmoid artery, or may arise by branching of from a sigmoid artery. Occasionally, the left colic artery may arise from either the superior mesenteric artery, the middle colic artery, or the proximal-most jejunal artery; rarely, an accessory left colic artery may arise from the aforementioned arteries. An accessory left colic artery may also arise from the left colic artery itself.[2]Template:Rp
Clinical significance
The left colic artery may be ligated during abdominal surgery to remove colorectal cancer.[3] This may have poorer outcomes than preserving the artery.[3]
Additional images
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Superior and inferior duodenal fossæ.
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Duodenojejunal fossa.
References
External links
- Lotti M. Anatomy in relation to left colectomy
- sup&infmesentericart at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University)
- Anatomy photo:39:05-0105 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "Intestines and Pancreas: Branches of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery"
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