Ileocolic Artery

arteria ileocolica

The ileocolic artery is the most consistent branch of the superior mesenteric artery, arising from its right side and descending toward the right iliac fossa. It gives colic, antecolic, and ileal branches, and crucially the appendicular artery, which descends behind the terminal ileum in the mesoappendix to supply the appendix. It also supplies the caecum through anterior and posterior caecal arteries.

Region: Abdomen

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The ileocolic pedicle is the vascular supply ligated during right hemicolectomy for caecal and ascending colon cancer, and the vessel is the reference for central vascular ligation in laparoscopic right colectomy. The appendicular artery within the ileocolic territory is thrombosed in appendicitis, contributing to appendiceal wall ischaemia and perforation. In Crohn disease affecting the terminal ileum and caecum, the ileocolic vessels may be involved in the inflammatory mass that complicates surgical dissection.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Appendicular Artery Thrombosis in Appendicitis

Progressive inflammation in acute appendicitis causes thrombosis of the appendicular branch of the ileocolic artery, leading to gangrenous appendicitis with transmural necrosis and perforation risk; recognised clinically by sudden resolution of pain followed by signs of peritonitis.