In human anatomy, the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is the third main branch of the abdominal aorta and arises at the level of L3, supplying the large intestine from the distal transverse colon to the upper part of the anal canal.

[1] The IMA arises from the anterior aspect of the abdominal aorta.

[2][3] Its origin is situated at the L3 vertebral level,[2][3] below the origins of the two renal arteries,[3] 3-4 cm above the aortic bifurcation,[3][2] at the level of the umbilicus, and posterior to the inferior border of the horizontal (III) part of the duodenum.

[1] The IMV drains to the portal vein and does therefore not fully mirror the course of the IMA.

The territory of distribution of the IMA is more or less equivalent to the embryonic hindgut.