Final answer:
The short artery from the root of the superior mesenteric artery to the root of the inferior mesenteric artery is the Arc of Riolan, also known as the marginal B. artery of Drummond, which serves as a critical collateral pathway for intestinal blood flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
The short artery that connects the root of the superior mesenteric artery to the root of the inferior mesenteric artery, or one of its branches, is known as the Arc of Riolan or the marginal B. artery of Drummond.
This vessel serves as an important collateral pathway that can maintain intestinal blood flow if either mesenteric artery becomes occluded.
The superior mesenteric artery provides blood supply to a significant portion of the small intestine, including the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, as well as to parts of the large intestine, through branches like the middle colic and ileocolic arteries.
The inferior mesenteric artery supplies the distal segment of the large intestine. While not being directly listed, the arteries mentioned are closely related to the vasculature of the abdominal aorta, which include the celiac trunk, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, among others.