Abstract
A thorough description of macrocirculation and microcirculation of large intestine is necessary for both research purposes and clinical implications. The aim of the study was to summarize and evaluate the variability of branching of mesenteric arteries and veins, their mutual anastomoses and connections on microcirculatory level.
The terminology of the intestinal vessels was unified. METHOD: Detailed overview of literature on both blood supply of the colon and vascular injection methods was accomplished.
English, Latin (Terminologia Anatomica 1998) and Czech terminological aspects of colon vessels as well as their development were carefully studied. Embalmed bodies' intestines with vessels were dissected, angiograms were checked and samples obtained from section material were used for the India ink injections, methylmetacrylate injections with Mercox, then processed in scanning electron microscope, light microscopy or elucidating method of Spalteholz.
Morphology and blood supply of omental appendices were studied, too. RESULTS: Classification of main arteries and their branches (as well as veins and their tributaries), their course, types, arrangement and great variability different from anatomical atlas patterns were assorted and specified.
So-called critical points (Griffith's, Toupet's and Sudeck's one) were scarified. Their macroscopic importance is clear but functionally, they are replaced by huge intramural plexuses.
Clinical importance of the marginal artery was emphasized. Vasa recta, their course, anastomoses, places of wall entry and branching were described precisely.
They continue into the intramural plexuses (subserous, intermuscular, submucous and mucous) which form mighty anastomoses throughout the whole wall of colon without any regional differences. The form, attachment and blood supply of the omental appendices were described.
CONCLUSION: The aim of the study was accomplished on both macroscopic and microscopic levels.