Diagnostic Ultrasound - Abdomen and Pelvis

Bowel
SMALL INTESTINE
Anatomy: Abdomen
Celiac artery
Superior mesenteric artery
Ileocolic artery
Jejunal straight arteries
Jejunal arterial arcades
Ileal straight arteries
Liver
Stomach
Pancreas
Superior mesenteric artery
Duodenum (3rd part)
Transverse colon
Aorta
Greater omentum
Inferior vena cava
Small bowel loops
(Top) Graphic shows the vascular supply of the entire small intestine from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The small bowel
segments are displaced inferiorly. The SMA arises from the anterior abdominal aorta and gives off the inferior pancreaticoduodenal
branch that supplies the duodenum and pancreas. Arising from the left side of the SMA are numerous branches to the jejunum and
ileum. Jejunal arteries are generally larger and longer than those of the ileum. After a straight course, the arteries form multiple
intercommunicating curvilinear arcades. (Bottom) Graphic shows the sagittal section of the central abdomen, revealing the jejunum
and ileum suspended in a radial pattern by the mesentery. Note the overlying greater omentum attached from the inferior portion of
the stomach to drape the small bowel segments and transverse colon.
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