The inferior mesenteric artery arises from the left side of the front of the aorta, posterior to the duodenum and about four centimeters above the bifurcation of the aorta. It is smaller than the superior mesenteric artery. It descends toward the left iliac fossa, posterior to the peritoneum, but in front of the aorta and sympathetic trunk. It gives off the left colic and sigmoid arteries, after which it continues into the pelvis across the left common iliac artery to the lower end of the sigmoid colon as the superior rectal artery.

Arteria mesenterica inferior

Artère mésentérique inférieure