Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Fibrin-Enriched and tPA-Sensitive Photothrombotic Stroke Model
Published on: June 4, 2021
Mesenteric vasculature and collateral pathways
1Section of Cardiovascular Imaging and Intervention, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
Abstract:
The arterial and venous circulation of the bowel is complex and is characterized by marked redundancy of multiple interconnecting branches, which provides a rich blood supply to aid in the digestive process and also serves to protect the bowel from potential ischemia or infarction. As a result of this circulatory pattern, anatomic variants and extensive collateral pathways are common. A thorough knowledge of both the arterial and venous mesenteric circulation, including normal, variant, and collateral anatomy, is necessary for the appropriate evaluation and management of the various disease processes that may affect the vascular supply of the gastrointestinal system.
Related Concept Videos
Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla
Collateral Ganglia
Sympathetic preganglionic axons reach the collateral ganglia along the route of splanchnic nerves. These nerves bypass the sympathetic trunk and communicate with sympathetic postganglionic neurons housed in the prevertebral ganglia. These ganglia supply the organs of the abdominopelvic cavity.
The greater splanchnic nerve, formed by the...
Blood Supply to the Digestive System
Blood Supply to the Digestive System: The splanchnic circulation involves three main arteries: the celiac artery (also known as the celiac trunk) and the superior and inferior mesenteric...
Anastomoses
Anastomoses can be formed at arterial, venous, and lymphatic vessels.
Arterial Anastomosis: These occur between arteries. They are most common in...
Abdominal Aorta
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Portal Hypertension
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Kidney
Bloody Supply to the Kidneys:
The kidneys receive their blood supply from the renal arteries, which branch off from the abdominal aorta—the main artery supplying the abdomen and lower body. The renal arteries enter the kidneys at the hilum, a notch on the medial side of each...
