Which structure lies posterior to the superior mesenteric artery near its origin?

Which structure lies posterior to the superior mesenteric artery near its origin?

• A. Duodenum
• B. Jejunum
• C. Transverse colon
• D. Pancreas head

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how the superior mesenteric artery relates to neighboring organs right at its origin. The artery arises from the aorta just below the celiac trunk and travels downward, crossing in front of the third (horizontal) part of the duodenum. That part of the duodenum sits behind the artery, so it lies posterior to the SMA near its origin. In contrast, the pancreas neck lies in front of the SMA, the jejunum is more distal in the small intestine, and the transverse colon is not the structure directly posterior to the SMA at its origin. Therefore, the structure posterior to the SMA near its origin is the duodenum.

The main idea here is how the superior mesenteric artery relates to neighboring organs right at its origin. The artery arises from the aorta just below the celiac trunk and travels downward, crossing in front of the third (horizontal) part of the duodenum. That part of the duodenum sits behind the artery, so it lies posterior to the SMA near its origin. In contrast, the pancreas neck lies in front of the SMA, the jejunum is more distal in the small intestine, and the transverse colon is not the structure directly posterior to the SMA at its origin. Therefore, the structure posterior to the SMA near its origin is the duodenum.