ArticlesAnatomyAbdomenNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomenMiddle colic artery

ArticlesAnatomyAbdomenNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomenMiddle colic artery

Middle colic artery

Author: Gordana Sendić, MD • Reviewer: Francesca Salvador, MSc
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 2 minutes

Middle colic artery (Arteria colica media)

The middle colic artery is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery that supplies the proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon. It courses intraperitoneally through the root of the transverse mesocolon until it splits into right and left branches.

The branches of the middle colic artery anastomose with branches of the right and left colic artery and contribute to the formation of the marginal artery of Drummond, an arterial channel that supplies the large intestine.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the middle colic artery.

Key facts about the middle colic artery
Origin	Superior mesenteric artery
Branches	Right and left branch
Supply	Transverse colon

Contents

Course
Branches and supply
Sources

+ Show all

Course

The middle colic artery is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery, arising from its anterolateral aspect. Occasionally, it can arise as a common trunk with the right colic artery.

At its origin point, it lies inferior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and anterior to the third part of the duodenum from which runs inferiorly. Shortly after, it turns anterosuperiorly to enter the transverse mesocolon where it divides into its right and left branches.

Branches and supply

During its course through the transverse mesocolon, the middle colic artery divides into a left and right branch. These branches anastomose with the branches of the right and left colic arteries and contribute to the formation of the marginal artery of Drummond.

Right branch: courses towards the hepatic flexure where it anastomoses with the superior branch of the right colic artery. The right branch of the middle colic artery supplies the upper portion of the ascending colon and the hepatic flexure of the colon.
Left branch: anastomoses with the ascending branch of the left colic artery (a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery) at the splenic flexure. The left branch of the middle colic artery supplies the proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Singh, V. (2011). Anatomy of abdomen and lower limb. London: Elsevier Health Sciences APAC.
Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
Sinnatamby, C. S., & Last, R. J. (2011). Last's anatomy: Regional and applied. (12th edition). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

Illustrators:

Middle colic artery (arteria colica media) - Irina Münstermann

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