Quick Facts
Origin: Distal continuations of the ileal arteries.
Course: Pass straight, nearly parallel to each other, between the layers of the mesentery to the ileum.
Branches: None.
Supplied Structures: Ileum.
Origin
The straight arteries, or vasa recta, of the ileum are the distal continuations of the ileal arterial arcades.
Course
The ileal straight arteries pass nearly parallel to each other between the layers of the mesentery. They are relatively short compared to the jejunal straight arteries, and seldom interconnected.
Branches
Close to the ileum, the straight arteries pass to one or the other aspect of the ileum. This arrangement of the terminal ends of the straight arteries, passing anterior or posterior, allows for distinct “layers” of vessels separated by a relatively avascular “surgical plane” through which access to the small intestine can be gained from the mesenteric side. The straight arteries terminate in a rich submucosal arterial plexus.
Supplied Structures
The straight arteries supply the ileum and all its layers (serosal, muscular, and mucosal).
List of Clinical Correlates
- Ischemia
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Artery
Arteries are vessels transporting blood between heart, tissues, and other organs in order to supply them with nutrition and oxygen.
