QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This receives its own blood supply from the sigmoidal branches of the inferior mesenteric artery.
10005525
e
Sigmoid colon
QuestionChoice
This is part of the small intestine and is supplied by the ileocolic artery which is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery. The superior mesenteric artery is most likely to be affected by a thrombus. However, due to the watershed region created by the blood supply of the splenic flexure, the splenic flexure is more likely to be affected.
10005524
d
Ileum
QuestionChoice
This is supplied by the superior mesenteric artery, which is where the thrombus is most likely to affect. However, due to the watershed region created by the blood supply of the splenic flexure, the splenic flexure is more likely to be affected.
10005522
b
Hepatic flexure
QuestionChoice
This is supplied by the ileocolic artery which is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery, which is where the thrombus is most likely to affect. However, due to the watershed region created by the blood supply of the splenic flexure, the splenic flexure is more likely to be affected.
10005523
c
Caecum
QuestionChoice
This is the correct answer. The splenic flexure is where the transverse colon becomes the descending colon. Although the most common cause of mesenteric ischaemia is occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery, the splenic flexure is supplied by terminal branches of both the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries. However, this creates a watershed region and so as it lacks its own blood supply it is more susceptible to ischaemia.
10005521
a
Splenic flexure
Concept
Chapter
2693
4418
Acute mesenteric ischaemia
Topic
135
General surgery
13651
A 75-year-old man with known atrial fibrillation presents with sudden onset central abdominal pain. He is diagnosed with acute mesenteric ischaemia.

Which part of the bowel is most commonly affected by acute bowel ischaemia?
a