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Right colic artery
Artery supplying the colon From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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.
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Structure
The right colic artery is a relatively small and variable artery.[1] It affords arterial supply to the ascending colon.[2]
Origin
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]
Course
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.[5]
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.[5]
Branches and anastomoses
The descending branch anastomoses with the ileocolic artery.[5]
The ascending branch anastomoses with the middle colic artery.[5]
Variation
The right colic artery is quite variable.[1] It is absent in around 10% of individuals.[6]
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Clinical significance
In a right hemicolectomy to remove the caecum and the ascending colon, the right colic artery is ligated and removed.[2][7] Ligation is performed close to the origin of the right colic artery from the superior mesenteric artery.[7]
If part of the superior mesenteric artery is missing due to a congenital abnormality, the right colic artery may supply part of the ileum.[8]
References
External links
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