The correct spelling of the Latin phrase "arteria mesenterica inferior" may seem daunting for those unaccustomed to medical jargon. However, a breakdown of its pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet can help. The word "arteria" is pronounced /ɑrˈtiːriə/, "mesenterica" as /ˌmɛsɛnˈtɛrɪkə/, and "inferior" as /ɪnˈfɪriər/. When combined, the pronunciation becomes /ɑrˈtiːriə mɛsɛnˈtɛrɪkə ɪnˈfɪriər/. This phrase refers to the lower mesenteric artery, which supplies blood to the large intestine and rectum.
The term "arteria mesenterica inferior" refers to the medical name for the inferior mesenteric artery, which is a major blood vessel that supplies blood to the lower portion of the large intestine (colon) and other nearby organs. It is part of the human circulatory system and is responsible for transporting oxygenated blood from the heart to the organs and tissues in the abdominal region.
The arteria mesenterica inferior arises from the abdominal aorta, which is the largest artery in the abdominal cavity. It typically originates slightly above the level of the umbilicus and branches off into smaller arteries that supply blood to specific areas such as the left colic artery (supplying the descending colon), the sigmoid arteries (supplying the sigmoid colon), and the superior rectal artery (supplying the rectum). The inferior mesenteric artery plays a crucial role in ensuring the proper blood supply to these organs, thereby supporting their normal function.
Understanding the anatomy and function of the arteria mesenterica inferior is important in medical contexts, such as surgical procedures and diagnostics. Conditions affecting this artery, such as atherosclerosis or occlusion, can cause inadequate blood supply to the colon and other structures, leading to various health issues, including abdominal pain, digestive problems, or even tissue damage. Medical professionals rely on this knowledge to diagnose and treat patients with conditions related to the inferior mesenteric artery, which may involve interventions such as surgical revascularization or stent placement to restore arterial blood flow.
Origin, aorta; bronches, colica sinistra, sigmoidea, haemorrhoidalis superior.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.