THE MESENTERIC CIRCULATION: Anatomy and Physiology
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ANATOMY OF THE MESENTERIC CIRCULATION
Understanding the anatomy of the mesenteric circulation is complicated by the almost endless variations in blood supply to the visceral organs. Fortunately, the ability of angiography to delineate the major vessels, as well as major sources of collateral flow, allows the identification of the unique pattern present in each individual.10, 11 Angiography also readily demonstrates the presence of vascular pathology and aberrations in the normal patterns of blood flow. The purpose of this article
Vasoreactivity
The mesenteric vessels are among the most reactive in the body.22 Human and canine splanchnic arteries respond vigorously in vitro to epinephrine, prostaglandin F2α, and bradykinin and exhibit less endothelium-dependent relaxation than their pulmonary, peripheral, or coronary counterparts.20, 21 In vivo, substantial decrements in blood flow accompany infusion of multiple classes of pharmacologic agents, including α-adrenergic agonists, some prostaglandins and leukotrienes, acetylcholine,
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