PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which artery travels in the mesoappendix?

1. Ileocolic artery

2. Mesenteric artery

3. Splenic artery

4. Hepatic artery

The correct answer is: Ileocolic artery

The ileocolic artery is the correct choice because it is the branch of the superior mesenteric artery that supplies blood to the ileum, the cecum, and the appendix. As it travels toward the appendix, it sends a branch, known as the appendicular artery, that passes through the mesoappendix, which is the peritoneal fold that connects the appendix to the ileum and cecum. This anatomical relationship allows the ileocolic artery to supply the appendix directly, which is crucial for its vascularization. In contrast, the mesenteric artery generally refers to the superior mesenteric artery as a whole rather than a specific branch that supplies the appendix. The splenic artery primarily supplies blood to the spleen and includes no relevant connection to the appendix. Meanwhile, the hepatic artery mainly provides blood to the liver, gallbladder, and part of the stomach, making it unrelated to the mesoappendix and the structures it supplies. Therefore, the ileocolic artery is distinctly recognized for its anatomical course through the mesoappendix, establishing it as the appropriate answer.