RT Journal
T1 NOvember 2003
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 2003
FD November 1
VO 138
IS 11
SP 1263
OP 1263
DO 10.1001/archsurg.138.11.1263
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.138.11.1263
AB 
The superior mesenteric artery takes origin just below the celiac artery, and therefore behind the neck of the pancreas, and therefore behind the splenic vein, which is embedded in the pancreas. It would prevent ascent of the left renal vein, which crosses the aorta close below it. The left renal vein may, indeed, be regarded as clamped between the root of the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta like a nut within nutcrackers. The artery passes caudal and ventral to the left renal vein, the head of the pancreas, and third part of the duodenum and enters the root of the mesentery.