Vasa recta are straight arteries arising from
arterial arcades
The arterial arcades (intermesenteric arterial anastomoses or Riolan arcades) are a series of anastomosing arterial arches between the arterial branches of the jejunum and ileum.
Nearest the duodenum the mesenteric loops are primary, the vasa rec ...
(
anastomoses
An anastomosis (, : anastomoses) is a connection or opening between two things (especially cavities or passages) that are normally diverging or branching, such as between blood vessels, leaf#Veins, leaf veins, or streams. Such a connection may be ...
of the jejunal and ileal arteries, branches of
superior mesenteric artery
In human anatomy, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is an artery which arises from the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta, just inferior to the origin of the celiac trunk, and supplies blood to the intestine from the lower part of the ...
) in the
mesentery
In human anatomy, the mesentery is an Organ (anatomy), organ that attaches the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall, consisting of a double fold of the peritoneum. It helps (among other functions) in storing Adipose tissue, fat and allowi ...
of the
jejunum
The jejunum is the second part of the small intestine in humans and most higher vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. Its lining is specialized for the absorption by enterocytes of small nutrient molecules which have been pr ...
and
ileum
The ileum () is the final section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. In fish, the divisions of the small intestine are not as clear and the terms posterior intestine or distal intestine may ...
that supply the jejunum and ileum.
The vasa recta of the jejunum are long and few, compared to the ileum where they are numerous and short.
Additional images
File:Gray535.png, Loop of small intestine showing distribution of intestinal arteries.
See also
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Intestinal arteries
The intestinal arteries arise from the convex side of the superior mesenteric artery. They are usually from twelve to fifteen in number, and are distributed to the jejunum and ileum.
Nomenclature
The term "intestinal arteries" can be confusing, b ...
References
External links
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{{Arteries of abdomen
Arteries of the abdomen