Intestinal arteries

The intestinal arteries arise from the convex side of the superior mesenteric artery. They are usually from twelve to fifteen in number, and are distributed to the jejunum and ileum.Superior mesenteric arteryIntestinal arteries of the superior mesenteric artery.Plastination technique . The intestinal arteries arise from the convex side of the superior mesenteric artery. They are usually from twelve to fifteen in number, and are distributed to the jejunum and ileum. The term 'intestinal arteries' can be confusing, because these arteries only serve a small portion of the intestines. For clarity, some sources prefer instead using the more specific terms ileal arteries and jejunal arteries. They run nearly parallel with one another between the layers of the mesentery, each vessel dividing into two branches, which unite with adjacent branches, forming a series of arches (arterial arcades), the convexities of which are directed toward the intestine.