Which artery is the primary blood supply to the midgut, including the small intestine?

Which artery is the primary blood supply to the midgut, including the small intestine?

• A. Inferior mesenteric artery
• B. Renal artery
• C. Superior mesenteric artery
• D. Celiac trunk

Answer: (C)

The midgut, including the small intestine, is primarily supplied by the superior mesenteric artery. This artery arises from the abdominal aorta just below the celiac trunk and travels through the mesentery to give off numerous intestinal branches. Its jejunal and ileal arteries form arcades and vasa recta that nourish the small intestine, and it also provides branches to the distal duodenum, cecum, appendix, ascending colon, and the proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon. The celiac trunk serves foregut structures, the inferior mesenteric artery supplies the hindgut, and the renal arteries feed the kidneys, so they are not the main midgut suppliers. Occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery can lead to midgut ischemia, underscoring its critical role.

The midgut, including the small intestine, is primarily supplied by the superior mesenteric artery. This artery arises from the abdominal aorta just below the celiac trunk and travels through the mesentery to give off numerous intestinal branches. Its jejunal and ileal arteries form arcades and vasa recta that nourish the small intestine, and it also provides branches to the distal duodenum, cecum, appendix, ascending colon, and the proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon. The celiac trunk serves foregut structures, the inferior mesenteric artery supplies the hindgut, and the renal arteries feed the kidneys, so they are not the main midgut suppliers. Occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery can lead to midgut ischemia, underscoring its critical role.