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

Right colic artery

Author: Gordana Sendić, MD • Reviewer: Francesca Salvador, MSc
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes

Recommended video: Arteries of the large intestine [09:31]
Arteries of the large intestine seen from an anterior view, with the jejunum and ileum removed, and transverse colon reflected.
Right colic artery (arteria colica dextra)

The right colic artery is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery that supplies the ascending colon. It courses to the right towards ascending colon, where it splits into a superior and inferior division.

The superior and inferior branches of the right colic artery anastomose with branches of the ileocolic and middle colic artery, thereby contributing 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 right colic artery
Origin Superior mesenteric artery
Branches Superior and inferior branch
Supply Ascending colon
Contents
  1. Course
  2. Branches and supply
  3. Anatomical variations
  4. Sources
+ Show all

Course

The right colic artery is the second branch of the superior mesenteric artery, arising from its right side. It runs retroperitoneally to the right, traversing the anterior surface of the right ureter, gonadal vessels, genitofemoral nerve, psoas major, and quadratus lumborum muscle. Upon reaching the left side of the ascending colon, the right colic artery divides into its two terminal branches.

Superior mesenteric artery
Arteria mesenterica superior
1/2
Synonyms: SMA, Arteria mesenterica cranialis

Branches and supply

Right colic artery

The right colic artery divides into a superior and inferior branch.

  • Superior (ascending) branch: courses superiorly to the inferior pole of the right kidney to the hepatic flexure where it anastomoses with the right branch of the middle colic artery. This branch supplies the upper portion of the ascending colon and contributes to the marginal artery of Drummond
  • Inferior (descending) branch: courses inferiorly to supply the lower portion of the ascending colon. This branch anastomoses with the superior division of the ileocolic artery and also contributes to the marginal artery of Drummond.

Anatomical variations

The right colic artery can be quite variable in its origin and course. Although it typically arises from the superior mesenteric artery, it can also arise as a common trunk with the middle colic artery. Alternatively, the right colic artery can originate from the ileocolic artery, when it is referred to as the accessory ileocolic artery.

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.
  • Tubbs, R. S., Shoja, M. M., Loukas, M., & Bergman, R. A. (2016). Bergman’s comprehensive encyclopedia of human anatomic variation. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell.

Illustrations:

  • Right colic artery (arteria colica dextra) - Irina Münstermann
  • Right colic artery - Irina Münstermann

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