The mesenteric arteries are a group of blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the intestines. They are crucial for delivering nutrients absorbed from food to the rest of the body. The two main mesenteric arteries are the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), which serve the upper and lower parts of the intestines, respectively. These arteries branch off from the abdominal aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the lower body. Proper blood flow through the mesenteric arteries is essential for digestive health, as any blockage can lead to serious conditions like mesenteric ischemia.