What is "ileocolic artery"

n. an artery that originates from the superior mesenteric artery and supplies the terminal part of the ileum and the cecum and the vermiform appendix and the ascending colon [syn: arteria ileocolica]

The ileocolic artery is the lowest branch arising from the concavity of the superior mesenteric artery.

It passes downward and to the right behind the peritoneum toward the right iliac fossa, where it divides into a superior and an inferior branch; the inferior gives rise to the appendicular artery and anastomoses with the end of the superior mesenteric artery, the superior with the right colic artery. Supplies the cecum, ileum, and appendix.