The superior mesenteric arises immediately below the celiac trunk. The superior mesenteric artery emerges between the lower border of the pancreas and the upper border of the transverse portion of the duodenum. Its origin lies behind the pancreas and the splenic vein. After passing between the pancreas and the duodenum, it crosses over the transverse portion of the duodenum, runs beneath the descending layer of the peritoneum for a short distance. It traverses the extraperitoneaI connective tissue of the mesentery near the root of the latter. In its course through the mesentery, it curves towards the left. It ends in the right iliac fossa. In the fossa, it forms an anastomosis with its ileocolic branch. The superior mesenteric artery supplies the third and fourth portions of the duodenum, the jejunum, ileum, vermiform appendix, cecum, ascending colon, and the major portion of the transverse colon. It is surrounded by the superior mesenteric plexus of sympathetic nerves.

Arteria mesenterica superior

Artère mésentérique supérieure