The arterial blood supply of the cecum and colon comes from the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries.

The cecum, vermiform appendix, ascending colon, and proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon (the midgut derivatives) are supplied by the following branches of the superior mesenteric artery:

Ileocolic artery - provides arterial supply to the cecum, vermiform appendix, and the proximal ascending colon;
- Anterior cecal artery and posterior cecal artery - branches of the ileocolic artery that supply the cecum;
- Appendicular artery - a small branch of the ileocolic artery that supplies the vermiform appendix;
Right colic artery - supplies the ascending colon and the proximal transverse colon;
Middle colic artery - provides arterial blood to the proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon.

The distal third of the transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon (the hindgut derivatives) are supplied by the following branches of the inferior mesenteric artery:

Left colic artery - supplies the distal third of the transverse colon and the descending colon;
Sigmoid arteries - several vessels that provide arterial blood to the sigmoid colon.

Note: During the embryological period, the organs of the gastrointestinal tract are derived from the primitive gut tube, which is divided into three portions: foregut, midgut and hindgut. Each of the portions is distinct in its embryological development and neurovascular supply. The foregut later develops into the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and the first part of the duodenum. The midgut develops into the rest of the duodenum, small intestine, and large intestine up to the proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon. And finally, the hindgut is the derivative of the remaining part of the large intestine up to the upper anal canal.

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Arterial blood supply of large intestine (cecum and colon)