Cranial mesenteric artery
Arteria mesenterica cranialis
Definition
The cranial mesenteric artery (CMA) in domestic animals is a major vessel that arises from the abdominal aorta and supplies blood to a significant portion of the gastrointestinal tract. In dogs, the CMA typically branches off the aorta just caudal to the celiac artery and provides arterial blood to the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and parts of the colon, including the ascending and transverse colon.[1-2]
In cats, the CMA also originates from the abdominal aorta and gives rise to multiple jejunal arteries, which can vary in number from 5 to 15. These arteries form an extensive network of anastomosing arcades that ensure a robust blood supply to the jejunum.[3]
In rabbits, the CMA supplies the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and proximal colon, although variations in the branching pattern can occur.[4]
References
1.Angiographic Anatomy of the Major Abdominal Arterial Blood Supply in the Dog.Culp WT, Mayhew PD, Pascoe PJ, Zwingenberger A.Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound : The Official Journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association. 2015 Sep-Oct;56(5):474-85. doi:10.1111/vru.12250.
2.Triple-Phased Mesenteric CT Angiography Using a Test Bolus Technique for Evaluation of the Mesenteric Vasculature and Small Intestinal Wall Contrast Enhancement in Dogs.Lee SK, Yoon S, Kim C, Choi J.Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound : The Official Journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association. 2019;60(5):493-501. doi:10.1111/vru.12781.
3.The Distribution of the Jejunal Arteries in the Cat.Grandis A, Canova M, Tagliavia C, et al.Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007). 2021;304(2):372-383. doi:10.1002/ar.24421.
