Advanced Superior Mesenteric Artery Quiz

Q1. What is the anatomical basis of superior mesenteric artery syndrome?

• Compression of the appendix by the SMA
• Compression of the third part of the duodenum between the SMA and aorta
• Compression of the stomach between the renal arteries
• Compression of the sigmoid colon by the celiac trunk

Q2. Which vascular compression can occur when the left renal vein is compressed between the SMA and aorta?

• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Median arcuate ligament syndrome
• Anterior nutcracker syndrome
• May-Thurner syndrome

Q3. Why is acute proximal SMA occlusion particularly dangerous?

• It affects only the spleen
• It blocks only venous drainage
• It interrupts only abdominal wall supply
• It can compromise a large territory of midgut bowel

Q4. Which collateral pathway directly links SMA and celiac arterial territories around the pancreatic head?

• Short gastric arteries only
• Renal segmental arteries
• Pancreaticoduodenal arcades
• Sigmoid arcades

Q5. Which collateral pathway can connect SMA and IMA territories more centrally when prominent?

• Circle of Willis
• Plantar arch
• Arc of Riolan
• Arcus senilis

Q6. Which sequence correctly traces arterial blood from the abdominal aorta to the terminal ileum?

• Aorta, renal artery, gonadal artery, terminal ileum
• Aorta, IMA, left colic artery, terminal ileum
• Aorta, SMA, ileocolic artery, terminal ileal branches
• Aorta, celiac trunk, splenic artery, terminal ileum

Q7. Why is the relationship between the SMA and SMV important during pancreatic and mesenteric surgery?

• They have no relationship to the pancreas
• They lie within the urinary bladder wall
• Their close relationship forms a major surgical vascular landmark
• They are always separated by the spleen

Q8. Which embryologic event explains the central role of the SMA in intestinal rotation?

• The midgut rotates around the SMA axis
• The foregut rotates around the IMA
• The stomach rotates around the renal artery
• The hindgut rotates around the celiac trunk

Q9. Why can malrotation alter the expected relationship of bowel and mesenteric vessels?

• Abnormal midgut rotation changes bowel and mesenteric vascular relationships
• It affects only splenic position
• It converts the SMA into a vein
• It eliminates the SMA

Q10. Which statement best summarizes the surgical significance of the SMA?

• It supplies only the abdominal wall
• It is a minor branch confined to the spleen
• It has no important collateral connections
• It is a major midgut vascular axis whose anatomy determines bowel perfusion