| Right colic artery | |
| Latin: | arteria colica dextra |
| Branchfrom: | Superior mesenteric artery |
| Vein: | Right colic vein |
| Supplies: | Ascending colon |
The right colic artery is an artery of the abdomen, a branch of the superior mesenteric artery supplying the ascending colon. It divides into two terminal branches - an ascending branch and a descending branch - which form anastomoses with the middle colic artery, and ileocolic artery (respectively).
The right colic artery may be removed during a right hemicolectomy.
The right colic artery is a relatively small and variable artery. It affords arterial supply to the ascending colon.
The right colic artery is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery.[1] [2] It usually arises from a common trunk with the middle colic artery, but may also arise directly from the superior mesenteric artery, or from the ileocolic artery.[3]
It passes right-ward posterior to the peritoneum, and anterior to the right gonadal vessels, the right ureter, the psoas major muscle, passing toward the middle of the ascending colon.[4]
Sometimes, it lies at a higher level, and crosses the descending part of the duodenum and the inferior extremity of the right kidney.[5]
At the colon, it divides into a descending branch and an ascending branch. These branches form arches, from the convexity of which vessels are distributed to the ascending colon.[6]
The descending branch anastomoses with the ileocolic artery.[7]
The ascending branch anastomoses with the middle colic artery.[8]
The right colic artery is quite variable.[9] It is absent in around 10% of individuals.[10]
In a right hemicolectomy to remove the caecum and the ascending colon, the right colic artery is ligated and removed.[11] Ligation is performed close to the origin of the right colic artery from the superior mesenteric artery.
If part of the superior mesenteric artery is missing due to a congenital abnormality, the right colic artery may supply part of the ileum.[12]