Vessel
Left colic artery
Inferior mesenteric branch reaching the descending colon
High-yield
At the splenic flexure, left-colic and middle-colic branches communicate. The strength of this collateral connection varies between individuals.
Overview
The left colic artery passes toward the left colon and divides into branches ascending toward the splenic flexure and descending toward the sigmoid supply. These connections help link neighboring colonic arterial territories.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually a proximal branch of the inferior mesenteric artery.
- Course
- Passes leftward in the retroperitoneum, anterior to nearby ureteric and gonadal structures.
- Branches
- An ascending branch reaches the splenic-flexure region; a descending branch connects with sigmoid supply.
- Supplies
- Serves descending colon, splenic flexure and adjacent distal transverse-colon territory.
- Drains to
- Associated left-colic venous return usually enters the inferior mesenteric vein.
Clinical correlation
Low-flow states can affect the splenic-flexure and rectosigmoid watershed regions. A limited collateral connection can increase vulnerability, but no single arterial pattern predicts every case of ischemic colitis.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the left colic artery originate?
Usually a proximal branch of the inferior mesenteric artery.
What does the left colic artery supply?
The left colic artery supplies the serves descending colon, splenic flexure and adjacent distal transverse-colon territory.
Where does the left colic artery drain to?
The left colic artery drains to the associated left-colic venous return usually enters the inferior mesenteric vein.
What are the branches of the left colic artery?
An ascending branch reaches the splenic-flexure region; a descending branch connects with sigmoid supply.