Branches of superior mesenteric artery in order
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Here are the branches of the Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) in order, from proximal to distal:
Branches of the Superior Mesenteric Artery
The SMA arises from the abdominal aorta at the level of L1, just below the celiac trunk, and passes anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the 3rd part of the duodenum.
In Order (Proximal → Distal)
| # | Branch | Side of Origin | Supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery | Right (first branch) | Head & uncinate process of pancreas, duodenum; anastomoses with superior pancreaticoduodenal (from gastroduodenal a.) |
| 2 | Jejunal arteries (4–6 branches) | Left | Jejunum — form 1–2 arterial arcades, long vasa recta |
| 3 | Ileal arteries (9–13 branches) | Left | Ileum — form multiple arcades (3–5), short vasa recta |
| 4 | Middle colic artery | Right | Transverse colon (proximal 2/3); anastomoses with right colic (right) and left colic/IMA (left) via marginal artery |
| 5 | Right colic artery | Right | Ascending colon; anastomoses with middle colic above, ileocolic below |
| 6 | Ileocolic artery (last/most distal) | Right | Terminal ileum, cecum, appendix, beginning of ascending colon |
Sub-branches of the Ileocolic Artery
- Anterior cecal artery
- Posterior cecal artery
- Appendicular artery (runs in mesoappendix)
- Ileal branch
- Colic branch
Key Points
- Left side branches (jejunal + ileal arteries) → supply the small intestine
- Right side branches (middle colic, right colic, ileocolic) → supply the large intestine (cecum to 2/3 of transverse colon = midgut territory)
- The inferior pancreaticoduodenal is the only branch arising before the jejunal arteries
- The middle colic often arises just after the inferior pancreaticoduodenal, sometimes at the same level — its exact order relative to the jejunal arteries can vary; some texts list it before, others after
- Mnemonic: "I Just Met Right-side Intestine" → Inferior pancreaticoduodenal, Jejunal/Ileal, Middle colic, Right colic, Ileocolic
Fig. 4.127 — Initial branching of the SMA showing the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery and its relationship to the celiac trunk (Gray's Anatomy for Students)
Fig. 4.128 — Full distribution of the SMA and its branches (Gray's Anatomy for Students)
Gray's Anatomy for Students, p. 411–412
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