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AnatomyAbdomenNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomenLeft colic artery
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AnatomyAbdomenNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomenLeft colic artery

Left colic artery

Author: Gordana Sendić, MD • Reviewer: Francesca Salvador, MSc
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 2 minutes

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Arteries of the large intestine seen from an anterior view, with the jejunum and ileum removed, and transverse colon reflected.
Left colic artery (Arteria colica sinistra)

The left colic artery is a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery that supplies the distal thirds of the transverse colon. It courses retroperitoneally behind the left colic mesentery until it bifurcates into an ascending and descending branch.

The branches of the left colic artery anastomose with branches of the middle colic and sigmoid arteries and contribute to the formation of the marginal artery of Drummond, an arterial channel that supplies the large intestine.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the right colic artery.

Key facts about the left colic artery
Origin Inferior mesenteric artery
Branches Ascending and descending branch
Supply Distal third of the transverse colon
Contents
  1. Course
  2. Branches and supply
  3. Sources
+ Show all

Course

The left colic artery is a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery, arising shortly after its origin from the aorta. It courses upwards posterior to the left colic mesentery and crosses over the anterior surface of the left psoas major muscle, left ureter and gonadal vessels.

Left colic artery
Arteria colica sinistra
1/2
Synonyms: none

Branches and supply

Ascending branch of left colic artery
Ramus ascendens arteriae colicae sinistrae
1/3
Synonyms: Ascending artery, Arteria ascendens

After completing its course, the left colic artery divides into its terminal branches; the ascending and descending branch.

  • Ascending branch: courses superiorly, anterior to the left kidney and then enters the transverse mesocolon. In the area of the splenic flexure, the ascending branch of the left colic artery anastomoses with the left branch of the middle colic artery, which arises from the superior mesenteric artery. This anastomosis is called the arcade of Riolan, which signifies a direct communication between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries. This communication is significant to provide collateral blood flow in the event of a stenosis and occlusion.
  • Descending branch: courses laterally in the retroperitoneum towards the descending colon, where it anastomoses with one of the sigmoid arteries, thereby contributing to the formation of the marginal artery of Drummond.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Singh, V. (2011). Anatomy of abdomen and lower limb. London: Elsevier Health Sciences APAC.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Sinnatamby, C. S., & Last, R. J. (2011). Last's anatomy: Regional and applied. (12th edition). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

Illustrations:

  • Left colic artery (Arteria colica sinistra) - Irina Münstermann

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