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Glite Dictionary
inferior mesenteric artery

inferior mesenteric artery

1 7.2
A blood vessel that branches from the lower main blood vessel in the belly to supply the large intestine
  • noun
  • /ɪnˈfɪriər ˌmɛsənˈtɛrɪk ˈɑrteri/
  • Specialized
translation icon : arteria mesentérica inferior
  • The inferior mesenteric artery supplies blood to the colon.

Examples

  • The inferior mesenteric artery supplies blood to the descending colon.

  • During surgery, the inferior mesenteric artery must be located and carefully preserved.

  • A blockage in the inferior mesenteric artery can lead to serious intestinal problems.

  • Surgeons often examine the inferior mesenteric artery during procedures.

  • The inferior mesenteric artery supplies blood to the large intestine.

  • Surgeons can locate the inferior mesenteric artery during abdominal surgery.

  • Doctors monitor the inferior mesenteric artery to ensure proper blood flow to the colon.

Surface Forms

inferior mesenteric artery singular
inferior mesenteric arteries plural

Morphology

inferior + mesenteric + artery

The compound is fully compositional: 'inferior' (lower), 'mesenteric' (related to the mesentery/intestines) and 'artery' (blood vessel) combine to denote a blood vessel located lower on the mesentery that supplies the intestine. Anatomical naming follows regular, cross-linguistic composition, so a learner who knows the constituent words can derive the meaning.

Etymology

Inferior mesenteric artery is literal: inferior means 'lower', mesenteric points to the mesentery, the thin tissue that holds the 'intestines', and artery means a 'blood' vessel. So it is the lower artery in the belly that gives 'blood' to the large intestine.