Rare left colic artery variation of the gut arterial system

S A Memar1, A M Taylor2, S Ahuja2

  • 1A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO, United States.

Folia Morphologica
|November 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

A rare abdominal artery variation was found: a common trunk from the common hepatic artery supplied the left colic artery and other pancreatic branches. This anatomical anomaly is crucial for abdominal surgeries.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Vascular Anatomy
  • Surgical Anatomy

Background:

  • Abdominal arterial variations commonly involve the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery.
  • Understanding these variations is critical for surgical and radiological interventions.

Observation:

  • A unique branching pattern of the left colic artery (LCA) was identified during a cadaveric dissection.
  • An anomalous trunk originated from the common hepatic artery, not the typical celiac or mesenteric sources.

Findings:

  • The anomalous trunk trifurcated into an accessory posterior pancreaticoduodenal artery, the dorsal pancreatic artery, and the LCA.
  • The LCA followed an unusual path between the splenic vein and superior mesenteric artery.

Implications:

  • This anatomical variation has significant clinical relevance for surgeons and interventional radiologists.
  • Awareness of this aberrant LCA origin can prevent complications during abdominal procedures and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Related Concept Videos

Abdominal Aorta01:25

Abdominal Aorta

Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
1.3K
Blood Supply to the Digestive System01:16

Blood Supply to the Digestive System

Splanchnic circulation refers to the network of blood vessels that supply and drain blood from the abdominal organs involved in digestion, including the stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, and spleen. This circulation delivers essential nutrients and oxygen while removing waste products from these organs.
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...
2.8K
Large Intestine01:09

Large Intestine

The large intestine is divided into three main regions: the cecum, colon, and rectum. Extending from the ileocecal valve to the anus, it frames the small intestine on three sides.
The ileocecal sphincter, a mucous membrane fold, guards the opening from the ileum to the large intestine. This valve permits material from the small intestine to pass into the large intestine. Attached to the ileocecal valve is the cecum. This small pouch, approximately 6 cm long, has a twisted, coiled tube known as...
2.4K
Arteries of Lower Limbs01:20

Arteries of Lower Limbs

The external iliac artery transitions out of the body cavity, entering the femoral region of the lower leg, and is renamed the femoral artery at the point where it traverses the body wall. This artery is responsible for the distribution of blood to the thigh's deep muscles and the skin's ventral and lateral regions, achieved through several minor branches and the lateral deep femoral artery, which also spawns a lateral circumflex artery. The knee area receives blood from the genicular...
2.7K
The Aorta01:14

The Aorta

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and extends down to the abdomen, where it splits into two smaller arteries. Structurally, it can be divided into four main parts: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the thoracic aorta, and the abdominal aorta.
The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
1.5K
Thoracic Aorta01:15

Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
851