Inferior mesenteric artery

In

The IMA arises from the anterior aspect of the abdominal aorta.^[2][3]

Its origin is situated at the L3 vertebral level,^[2][3] below the origins of the two renal arteries,^[3] 3-4 cm above the aortic bifurcation,^[3][2] at the level of the umbilicus, and posterior to the inferior border of the horizontal (III) part of the duodenum.^[2]

Branches

Along its course, the IMA has the following branches:^[1][4][3]

All these arterial branches further divide into

Relations

The IMA is accompanied along its course by a similarly named vein, the inferior mesenteric vein, which drains into the splenic vein.^[1] The IMV drains to the portal vein and does therefore not fully mirror the course of the IMA.^{[contradictory][1][4][3]}

Distribution

Proximally, its territory of distribution overlaps (forms a

The IMA and/or its branches must be resected for a left hemicolectomy.[5]

A horseshoe kidney, a common (1 in 500) anomaly of the kidneys, will be positioned below the IMA.^[6][7]

Additional images

• 
  The abdominal aorta and its branches.
• 
  The inferior mesenteric artery and its branches.
• 
  Abdominal portion of the sympathetic trunk, with the celiac plexus and hypogastric plexus.
• 
  Duodenojejunal fossa.
• 
  Posterior abdominal wall, after removal of the peritoneum, showing kidneys, suprarenal capsules, and great vessels.
• 
  Front of abdomen, showing surface markings for arteries and inguinal canal.
• 
  Inferior mesenteric artery
• 
  Lumbar and sacral plexus. Deep dissection.Anterior view.
• 
  Lumbar and sacral plexus. Deep dissection.Anterior view.
• 
  Lumbar and sacral plexus. Deep dissection.Anterior view.

References