The mesenteric artery is a major blood vessel that supplies the small and large intestines. The spelling of this word can be confusing due to the presence of silent letters. The first syllable "me" is pronounced as /ˈmɛ/, while "sen" is pronounced as /ˈsɛn/. The third syllable "ter" is pronounced as /tɛr/. The word ends with the suffix "-ic" and the vowel sound is "a", pronounced as /ˈɑrtəri/. Therefore, the correct phonetic transcription for "mesenteric artery" is /ˌmɛsənˈtɛrɪk ˈɑrtəri/.
The mesenteric artery is a vital blood vessel belonging to the human circulatory system. It is a major artery located in the abdominal region of the body, specifically within the mesentery—a fold of membrane that attaches the intestines to the back wall of the abdomen. The mesenteric artery is responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the small and large intestines, as well as other surrounding structures and tissues in the abdominal cavity.
The mesenteric artery branches off from the abdominal aorta, which is the largest artery in the abdominal region. There are two main branches of the mesenteric artery: the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). The SMA primarily supplies blood to the small intestine, cecum, appendix, and part of the large intestine, while the IMA provides blood to the remaining sections of the large intestine, including the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum.
The mesenteric artery plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and functionality of the digestive system. It ensures an adequate blood supply to the intestines, facilitating proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Any obstruction, narrowing, or damage to the mesenteric artery can lead to serious complications, such as mesenteric ischemia (impaired blood flow) or mesenteric artery occlusion (complete blockage), which may result in tissue death and emergency surgical intervention.
The word "mesenteric artery" is derived from two components: "mesenteric" and "artery".
The term "mesenteric" stems from the Greek word "mesos", which means "middle", and the Latin word "enteron", meaning "intestine". In anatomical terms, the "mesentery" refers to the double-layered fold of tissue that attaches and supports the intestines in the abdominal cavity.
The word "artery" traces its origins to the Latin word "arteria", which further comes from the Greek word "artēria". In ancient Greek, "artēria" referred specifically to the windpipe or the arteries that are located near the windpipe. Over time, "artery" has been adopted to describe the more general concept of blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the various parts of the body.