Right colic artery

The right colic artery (Latin: arteria colica dextra) is an inconsistent branch of the superior mesenteric artery that arises from its right side. It may also arise from a common trunk with the ileocolic artery. This is one of the major blood vessels that supply arterial blood to the large intestine.

The artery passes to the right in a retroperitoneal position and supplies the ascending colon. Near the colon, the right colic artery divides into two its descending and ascending branches. The descending branch of the right colic artery usually anastomoses with the ileocolic artery, while the ascending branch - with the middle colic artery.