In human anatomy, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is an artery which arises from the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta, just inferior to the origin of the celiac trunk, and supplies blood to the intestine from the lower part of the duodenum through two-thirds of the transverse colon, as well as the pancreas.

In the adult, the SMA arises anterior to inferior border of vertebra L1 (transpyloric plane).

It initially travels in an anterior/inferior direction, passing behind/under the neck of the pancreas and the splenic vein.

Located under this portion of the superior mesenteric artery, between it and the aorta, are the following: The SMA typically runs to the left of its associated vein, the superior mesenteric vein.

[1] The middle, right, and ileocecal branches anastomose with each other to form a marginal artery along the inner border of the colon.