Mesenteric Artery (Noun)
Meaning
One of two branches of the aorta that pass between the two layers of the mesentery to the intestines.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The superior mesenteric artery is one of the two main branches that supply blood to the intestines, branching off from the abdominal aorta.
- The inferior mesenteric artery is the smaller of the two branches, supplying blood to the hindgut and its derivatives.
- The superior mesenteric artery is responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the majority of the small intestine and a portion of the large intestine.
- The inferior mesenteric artery primarily supplies the rectum, sigmoid colon, and a portion of the descending colon.
- Damage to the superior mesenteric artery can lead to severe intestinal ischemia, resulting in tissue death and potentially life-threatening complications.