Inferior Mesenteric Artery

Introduction

Inferior Mesenteric artery is one of the abdominal aorta that provides blood supply to many parts of the digestive system (the hindgut). Here, this artery is explained anatomically and is linked clinically with reported cases.

Aortic Branches

Anatomy

Inferior Mesenteric artery is the anterior branch of the Abdominal Aorta that gives off at approximately the level of the L3 vertebra, 3-4 cm proximally to aortic bifurcation and located posteriorly to the lower border of the horizontal part of the duodenum. It is smaller in diameter compared with the superior mesenteric and gives branches that feed the digestive system organs that are not fed by the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery in the abdominal cavity.

Origin of inferior mesenteric artery

Branches

• The left colic artery, which feeds the right 1/3 of the transverse colon, where the middle colic artery does not provide blood supply, and also the descending colon.
• The sigmoid artery, which supplies the sigmoid colon.

• It continues as superior rectal artery, which will feed the upper 1/3 of the rectum.

The hindgut blood supply by branches of inferior mesenteric artery

Clinical Relevance

Inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm (mostly occurred in proximal trunk) is the one of the rarest among all artery aneurysms. It maybe associated with occlusion of the superior mesenteric or celiac arteries. Although it can be asymptomatic, some symptoms have been spotted that include asymptomatic pulsatile/expansile abdominal mass, abdominal pain, low back pain, and collapse or hemorrhagic shock due to rupture. The suggested causes are atherosclerosis, Behcet disease, neurofibromatosis and aortitis.

Note for Physiotherapists: It is preferable not to prescribe abdominal exercises to patients with inferior mesenteric artery issues. Although some gentle aerobic exercises such as ergometric cycling may improve the general mesenteric circulation.