[Vascularization of the transverse colon]

Results of 21 injections of the transverse colon with coloured latex. The superior and inferior mesenteric arteries are separately injected. Dissections allowed the study of the topography and width of the colic transverse vessels. Collateral circulation is also described. A middle colic artery is present in 85% of the cases. The length of transverse colon vascularized by each arterial system is related with accuracy to the number of arcades issued from each system. The superior mesenteric artery prevails in the blood supply of the transverse colon (70% of its length).