ABSTRACT
Background: Anatomical knowledge of the variations of Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and its branches is important to minimize the complications and hence this article will be helpful for the clinicians planning surgery and intervention around the aforementioned vessels. Materials and Methods: In the present study, we studied the pattern of arrangement and distribution of the SMA in twenty cadavers in the gross anatomy dissection room in the department of anatomy, AIIMS, New Delhi. Results and Discussion: On the basis of branching pattern of SMA, the cadavers were divided into three groups I, II, III. Group I consisted of the most usual pattern of arrangement of SMA, in 70% of cases (14 cadavers). In Group II i.e. in 25 % cases (5 cadavers) we observed a common trunk of ileocolic and right colic arteries. Group III consisted of the rarest variation in the branching pattern of SMA, where we got a common trunk of left colic artery with an accessory splenic artery arising from anterior aspect of SMA, instead of Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) which was seen in 5% cases (1 cadaver).Main splenic artery took origin from coeliac trunk as usual. Conclusions: These uncommon and rare variations in the branching pattern of arteries of the gut are clinically very important for surgeons and radiologists to prevent damage to these vessels which otherwise may lead to severe haemorrhage and other complications. In the present article we discuss about the morphology and development of the SMA along with its variations.