Although the mesenteric arteries are not end arteries, yet embolism of the larger stems sometimes produces haemorrhage and necrosis, the process being similar to that in the haemorrhagic infarction. The haemorrhage may be very considerable. If the patient survive, the slough after separation leaves an Ulcer (the Embolic ulcer, Parenski).

Very few cases of this kind have been examined post mortem, and in these it has been the superior mesenteric which has been plugged. There is, however, some reason to believe that embolism of the inferior mesenteric may have similar results. Both of these vessels have anastomosing communications, but they are insufficient to restore the circulation in the central parts of the area to which the vessels are distributed, although they do so at the periphery. Hence, the infarction is less in extent than the area of distribution. The subject has been very fully elucidated by the experiments of Litten.