SUPERIOR MESENTERIC ARTERY Meaning and
Definition
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The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is a vital blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the small intestine and part of the large intestine (specifically, the ascending and transverse colon). It stems from the abdominal aorta, the main artery in the abdominal region.
The SMA arises slightly below the celiac artery, another major branch of the abdominal aorta. It extends downwards in a trajectory between the pancreas and the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. The artery then branches off into several smaller arteries, which form a highly intricate network of blood vessels called the mesenteric arcade, within the mesentery - a fold of the peritoneum that supports and attaches various abdominal organs.
The superior mesenteric artery supplies the intestines with oxygen and nutrients that are crucial for their proper functioning. Moreover, it provides arterial blood supply to the pancreas and sends blood to the ascending and transverse colon. Additionally, the SMA plays a vital role in maintaining blood flow to the intestines during digestion, as it constricts to divert blood towards the gastrointestinal tract.
The occlusion or blockage of the superior mesenteric artery can lead to a serious condition called mesenteric ischemia, characterized by insufficient blood flow to the intestines. This condition can result in severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Common Misspellings for SUPERIOR MESENTERIC ARTERY
- auperior mesenteric artery
- zuperior mesenteric artery
- xuperior mesenteric artery
- duperior mesenteric artery
- euperior mesenteric artery
- wuperior mesenteric artery
- syperior mesenteric artery
- shperior mesenteric artery
- sjperior mesenteric artery
- siperior mesenteric artery
- s8perior mesenteric artery
- s7perior mesenteric artery
- suoerior mesenteric artery
- sulerior mesenteric artery
- su-erior mesenteric artery
- su0erior mesenteric artery
- supwrior mesenteric artery
- supsrior mesenteric artery
- supdrior mesenteric artery
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