Which vessel runs along the mesenteric border of the large intestine and provides the principal collateral channel between the superior and inferior mesenteric arterial systems?
- A Arc of Riolan
- B Marginal artery of Drummond ✓
- C Artery of Treitz
- D Middle colic artery
Correct answer: B. Marginal artery of Drummond
Explanation
The marginal artery of Drummond lies within the colonic mesentery close to the bowel wall, formed by anastomoses of the ileocolic, right colic, middle colic, left colic, and sigmoid arteries. It links the SMA and IMA territories and can maintain viability after surgical ligation of one system. The arc of Riolan is a variable central anastomotic vessel, not the constant border channel, and the middle colic artery is a terminal SMA branch, not a collateral route.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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