Definition

1. Noun:
   • An artery supplying blood to the intestines: The mesenteric artery is one of the major arteries that branch from the abdominal aorta. It travels through the mesentery, a fold of tissue that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall, to deliver oxygenated blood to most of the small and large intestines.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A blockage in the mesenteric artery can cause severe abdominal pain and is a medical emergency.
  • The surgeon carefully clamped the mesenteric artery before proceeding with the intestinal resection.

Advanced Usage

• "Superior mesenteric artery": The branch that supplies blood to the lower part of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix, ascending colon, and most of the transverse colon.
  • The superior mesenteric artery was visualized clearly on the angiogram.
• "Inferior mesenteric artery": The branch that supplies blood to the distal transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum.
  • The inferior mesenteric artery originates from the aorta just above its bifurcation.

Variants and Related Words

• Mesentery (n): The double layer of peritoneum that suspends the jejunum and ileum from the posterior wall of the abdomen.
• Mesenteric (adj): Pertaining to the mesentery.
  • The patient was diagnosed with mesenteric ischemia.

Synonyms

• Intestinal artery: A general term for arteries supplying the intestines, which can include the mesenteric arteries.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "mesenteric artery" is most accurately used in its specific anatomical forms: the superior mesenteric artery and the inferior mesenteric artery. In general clinical or anatomical discussion, it is typically specified which one is being referenced.

Noun

1. one of two branches of the aorta that pass between the two layers of the mesentery to the intestines