Intestinal arteries
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| Artery: Intestinal arteries | |
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| Loop of small intestine showing distribution of intestinal arteries. | |
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| The superior mesenteric artery and its branches. | |
| Latin | aa. intestinales |
| Gray's | subject #154 607 |
The Intestinal Arteries (vasa intestini tenuis) arise from the convex side of the superior mesenteric artery.
They are usually from twelve to fifteen in number, and are distributed to the jejunum and ileum.
They run nearly parallel with one another between the layers of the mesentery, each vessel dividing into two branches, which unite with adjacent branches, forming a series of arches, the convexities of which are directed toward the intestine.
From this first set of arches branches arise, which unite with similar branches from above and below and thus a second series of arches is formed; from the lower branches of the artery, a third, a fourth, or even a fifth series of arches may be formed, diminishing in size the nearer they approach the intestine.
In the short, upper part of the mesentery only one set of arches exists, but as the depth of the mesentery increases, second, third, fourth, or even fifth groups are developed.
From the terminal arches numerous small straight vessels arise which encircle the intestine, upon which they are distributed, ramifying between its coats.
From the intestinal arteries small branches are given off to the lymph glands and other structures between the layers of the mesentery.
This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated. Please edit the article if this is the case, and feel free to remove this notice when it is no longer relevant.
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