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GSSE practice question about the superior mesenteric artery with a medical illustration by Ayeesha McComb

Master the GSSE: High-Yield Questions from Last’s Anatomy

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• Exam-specific questions from Last’s Anatomy 9th Edition
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Answers:
a. True – The superior mesenteric artery arises from the front of the aorta 1cm below the coeliac trunk at the level of the L1 vertebra.
b. True – The superior mesenteric artery passes down to the right along the root of the mesentery and ends at the ileum 60cm (2 feet) proximal to the caecum.
c. False – The superior mesenteric artery descends behind the splenic vein and the neck of the pancreas. It passes in front of the left renal vein, uncinate process, and third part of the duodenum.
d. False – The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery is the first branch of the superior mesenteric artery, arising from its posterior surface.
Last’s 9th edition, p.326-327