Definition

Noun: 1. A major artery of the abdomen: The superior mesenteric artery is a large blood vessel that branches directly from the front of the abdominal aorta. Its primary function is to supply oxygenated blood to a significant portion of the gastrointestinal tract.

Detailed Explanation

The superior mesenteric artery is a critical unpaired artery in the human abdominal circulatory system. It arises from the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta, just inferior to the celiac trunk. It provides the main arterial supply to the midgut, which includes: * The lower part of the duodenum (after the major duodenal papilla). * The jejunum and ileum (the entire small intestine except the very first part). * The cecum and appendix. * The ascending colon. * The proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon.

Its course runs anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third part of the duodenum, entering the mesentery of the small intestine. It is a vital structure in abdominal surgery and radiology.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • During the abdominal surgery, the surgeon carefully identified and preserved the superior mesenteric artery.
  • A blockage in the superior mesenteric artery can lead to acute mesenteric ischemia, a serious medical condition.
  • The CT scan showed the normal branching pattern of the superior mesenteric artery.

Advanced Usage

• "SMA syndrome" (Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome): A rare condition where the third part of the duodenum is compressed between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery, causing a partial or complete obstruction.
  • The patient was diagnosed with SMA syndrome after presenting with chronic nausea and postprandial pain.

Variants and Related Words

• SMA: A common medical abbreviation for the superior mesenteric artery.
  • The angiogram confirmed a stenosis in the SMA.
• Mesenteric arteries: The collective term for the arteries supplying the intestines, primarily the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries.
• Inferior mesenteric artery: The artery that arises from the aorta distal to the superior mesenteric artery and supplies the hindgut (distal transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum).

Synonyms

• There are no direct common synonyms for this specific anatomical term. In clinical contexts, the abbreviation SMA is used.

Related Phrases

• SMA embolus/thrombosis: Refers to a blockage of the artery by a traveling clot (embolus) or a locally formed clot (thrombus).
  • An SMA embolus is a surgical emergency.
• SMA blood flow: Refers to the circulation through this vessel, often measured in Doppler ultrasound studies.
  • The ultrasound showed reduced SMA blood flow.

Noun

1. originates from the upper part of the aorta that supplies the small intestines and the cecum and the colon