Right colic artery | |
---|---|
Details | |
Source | Superior mesenteric artery |
Vein | Right colic vein |
Supplies | Ascending colon |
Identifiers | |
Latin | arteria colica dextra |
TA98 | A12.2.12.065 |
TA2 | 4264 |
FMA | 14811 |
Anatomical terminology |
The right colic artery is an artery of the abdomen, a branch of the superior mesenteric artery supplying the ascending colon. It divides into two terminal branches - an ascending branch and a descending branch - which form anastomoses with the middle colic artery, and ileocolic artery (respectively).
The right colic artery may be removed during a right hemicolectomy.
The right colic artery is a relatively small and variable artery. [1] It affords arterial supply to the ascending colon. [2]
The right colic artery is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery. [2] [3] It usually arises from a common trunk with the middle colic artery, but may also arise directly from the superior mesenteric artery, or from the ileocolic artery. [4]
It passes right-ward posterior to the peritoneum, and anterior to the right gonadal vessels, the right ureter, the psoas major muscle, passing toward the middle of the ascending colon. [5]
Sometimes, it lies at a higher level, and crosses the descending part of the duodenum and the inferior extremity of the right kidney. [6]
At the colon, it divides into a descending branch and an ascending branch. These branches form arches, from the convexity of which vessels are distributed to the ascending colon. [7]
The descending branch anastomoses with the ileocolic artery. [8]
The ascending branch anastomoses with the middle colic artery. [9]
The right colic artery is quite variable. [1] It is absent in around 10% of individuals. [10]
In a right hemicolectomy to remove the caecum and the ascending colon, the right colic artery is ligated and removed. [2] [11] Ligation is performed close to the origin of the right colic artery from the superior mesenteric artery. [11]
If part of the superior mesenteric artery is missing due to a congenital abnormality, the right colic artery may supply part of the ileum. [12]
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 609 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
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