ascending branch of left colic artery

The ascending branch of the left colic artery is an artery that branches from the left colic artery and supplies the superior portion of the descending colon, the left colic flexure, and the right one half to one third of the transverse colon.

It is located in the abdominal cavity, arising from the left colic artery and traveling superiorly to reach the descending colon, the left colic (splenic) flexure, and the adjacent transverse colon.

Its primary function is to supply oxygenated blood to the superior portion of the descending colon, the left colic flexure, and approximately one half to one third of the right transverse colon, maintaining the viability of these colonic segments.

Conditions such as mesenteric ischemia or atherosclerosis may be associated with reduced blood flow through this artery, potentially affecting the perfusion of the descending colon and left colic flexure it supplies.

This artery may be visualized using CT angiography or conventional mesenteric angiography, which can delineate its origin from the left colic artery and its distribution to the colon.