Appendicular Artery, Posterior View

Description

Seen from a posterior abdominal perspective, the cecum and attached vermiform appendix sit in the right lower quadrant, with the terminal ileum joining the cecum medially and the ascending colon running superiorly along the right flank. The appendicular artery tracks in the mesoappendix along the posterior aspect of the appendix, typically arising from the ileocolic artery via a branch of the superior mesenteric artery, while paired appendicular veins accompany it toward the ileocolic venous drainage. Posteriorly, the small-intestinal mesentery fans out from its root and carries the superior mesenteric vessels, and the greater omentum and pericolic fat pads may be suggested as yellow adipose planes around the colonic frame. A deep vessel. Easy to miss. This posterior presentation matters because the appendicular artery is effectively an end-artery, so kinking, thrombosis, or iatrogenic ligation can translate quickly into appendiceal ischemia and gangrenous appendicitis. During appendectomy, the mesoappendix is divided and the appendicular artery controlled close to the appendix to avoid bleeding that can retract into the ileocolic pedicle; a posterior view clarifies why retrocecal or retrocolic appendix positions can hide the vessel behind the cecum and terminal ileum. It also supports teaching of referred pain patterns and peritoneal relationships by anchoring the appendix to the posterior parietal wall and adjacent psoas region. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and surgical anatomy courses to teach vascular supply of the cecum, appendix, and terminal ileum, and in medical publishing where clear depiction of the ileocolic branch pattern is required. It also fits patient-education materials discussing laparoscopic appendectomy, mesoappendix division, and bleeding control. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.