ABDOMINAL CAVITY 



479 



the duodenum, close to the duodeno-jejunal flexure, and 

 enters the root of the mesentery proper, along which it 

 proceeds to the right iliac fossa, where it ends by anastomos- 

 ing with one of its own branches. Between its extremities it 



FIG. 185. Dissection of the Superior Mesenteric Artery. 



is slightly curved, the convexity of the curve being directed 

 to the left. It is accompanied by the superior mesenteric 

 vein, which lies upon its right side, and by the superior 

 mesenteric plexus of nerves which surrounds it closely. 

 It gives off the following branches : 



