Question:easy
All of the following are branches of the inferior mesenteric artery except:
All of the following are branches of the inferior mesenteric artery except:
Show Hint
Which rectal artery comes from the internal iliac, not the IMA?
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Left colic artery
- Sigmoidal artery
- Middle rectal artery
- Superior rectal artery
Show Solution
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: List the IMA tree. The inferior mesenteric artery supplies the hindgut. Its named branches are the left colic artery, the sigmoid (sigmoidal) arteries, and the superior rectal artery, the last being the direct continuation of the trunk as it descends into the pelvis.
Step 2: Trace the middle rectal artery. The middle rectal artery does not come from the IMA at all. It springs from the internal iliac artery (anterior division) and reaches the rectum laterally, where it links with the superior and inferior rectal vessels.
Step 3: Cross-check the options. Left colic, sigmoidal, and superior rectal are confirmed IMA branches, leaving only the middle rectal artery without an IMA origin.
Step 4: Final answer. The branch that does not belong to the inferior mesenteric artery is the middle rectal artery.
\[\boxed{\text{Middle rectal artery}}\]
Step 2: Trace the middle rectal artery. The middle rectal artery does not come from the IMA at all. It springs from the internal iliac artery (anterior division) and reaches the rectum laterally, where it links with the superior and inferior rectal vessels.
Step 3: Cross-check the options. Left colic, sigmoidal, and superior rectal are confirmed IMA branches, leaving only the middle rectal artery without an IMA origin.
Step 4: Final answer. The branch that does not belong to the inferior mesenteric artery is the middle rectal artery.
\[\boxed{\text{Middle rectal artery}}\]
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