SUPERIOR MESENTERIC ARTERY. 



337 



very much diminished in size. It forms a curve in its course, the con- 

 vexity being directed towards the left, and the concavity to the right. 

 It is in relation near its commencement with the portal vein: and is ac- 

 companied by two veins, and the superior mesenteric plexus of nerves. 



Fig. 124.* 



* The course and distribution of the superior mesenteric artery. 1. The 

 descending portion of the duodenum. 2. The transverse portion. 3. The 

 pancreas. 4 The jejunum. 5. The ileum. 6. The caecum, from which the 

 appendix vermiformis is seen projecting. 7. The ascending colon. 8. The 

 transverse colon. 9- The commencement of the descending colon. 10. The 

 superior mesenteric artery. 11. The colica media. 12. The branch which 

 inosculates with the colica sinistra. 13. The branch of the superior mesenteric 

 artery, which inosculates with the pancreatico-duodenalis. 14. The colica 

 dextra. 15. The ileo-colica. 16, 16. The branches from the convexity of the 

 superior mesenteric to the small intestines. 



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