Ileocolic artery
Branch
Lowest right-sided SMA branch, descending in the mesentery to the ileocaecal junction where it divides into ileal, anterior and posterior caecal, appendicular and ascending colic branches.
Traced from the start
- Abdominal aorta
- Superior mesenteric artery
- Ileocolic artery
Detail
- Supplies
- Terminal ileum, caecum, appendix, lower ascending colon
- Branches
- Ileal, anterior and posterior caecal, appendicular, ascending colic
- Appendicular artery
- End artery in the free edge of the mesoappendix, passing behind the terminal ileum
When it goes wrong
Distended, inflamed appendix compresses and thromboses its end artery
Gangrene and perforation within 24–48 h of luminal obstruction because there is no collateral rescue
Ileocolic pedicle divided at right hemicolectomy
Terminal ileum, caecum and ascending colon are removed together; the middle colic sets the distal margin
Practise this structure
1 question in the bank tagged Appendix.