Anatomy
Summary
The celiac trunk, also known as the celiac artery, is the first anterior branch of the aorta, originating near the level of T12 or L1. The celiac trunk supplies the structures derived from the foregutÑthat is, the GI tract from the distal esophagus to the second part of the duodenum, including the stomach, and the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The celiac trunk also supplies the spleen, despite it having different embryological origins.
The celiac trunk divides into three major branches: the left gastric artery, the common hepatic artery, and the splenic artery. The left gastric artery supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach and gives off branches to the distal esophagus. The splenic artery, in addition to supplying the spleen, also supplies the body and tail of the pancreas, and parts of the greater curvature of the stomach. The third branch, the common hepatic artery, splits into the gastroduodenal artery and the proper hepatic artery. The gastroduodenal artery supplies the pylorus, proximal duodenum, and pancreatic head. The gastroduodenal artery also gives off the right gastroepiploic artery which anastomoses with the left gastroepiploic artery on the greater curvature of the stomach. The proper hepatic artery supplies the liver and gallbladder. The proper hepatic artery also gives off the right gastric artery which anastomoses with the left gastric artery on the lesser curvature of the stomach.
Lesson Outline
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FAQs
The celiac trunk, also known as the celiac artery, branches from the anterior midline of the abdominal aorta near the vertebral level of T12 or L1.
The celiac trunk splits into three branches: the left gastric artery, splenic artery, and common hepatic artery.
The common hepatic artery supplies the liver and gallbladder via the proper hepatic artery, as well as the pylorus, proximal duodenum, and head of the pancreas via the gastroduodenal artery. The proper hepatic artery also gives off the right gastric artery that anastomoses with the left gastric artery on the lesser curvature of the stomach. The gastroduodenal artery gives off the right gastroepiploic artery which anastomoses with the left gastroepiploic artery on the greater curvature of the stomach.
The splenic artery, branching from the celiac trunk, primarily supplies blood to the spleen. Along its course, however, it also gives off branches that supply the greater curvature of the stomach and parts of the pancreas.
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