At which border does the SMA arise from the aorta?

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) arises from the abdominal aorta at the inferior border, which is located at the level of the first lumbar vertebra. This positioning is anatomically significant because the SMA supplies blood to a large portion of the intestine, including the distal part of the duodenum, the jejunum, the ileum, the cecum, the appendix, the ascending colon, and part of the transverse colon.

Knowing that the SMA originates from the inferior aspect of the aorta helps in understanding its anatomical relationship to surrounding structures, such as the renal arteries, which branch off more laterally. Correctly identifying the origin of the SMA is critical for ultrasound examinations and for diagnosing vascular conditions or abdominal pathologies.