Pancreatic branches of splenic artery

Pancreatic branches of the splenic artery are small arterial vessels that arise from the splenic artery along its tortuous course along the superior border of the pancreas, supplying blood to the body and tail of the pancreas.

These pancreatic branches include:

• Dorsal pancreatic artery (arteria pancreatica dorsalis): Typically arises from the proximal splenic artery (though it may also originate from the celiac trunk or hepatic artery). It descends behind the neck of the pancreas and divides into right and left branches, contributing to the blood supply of the pancreatic body and forming anastomoses with other pancreatic arteries.

• Greater pancreatic artery (arteria pancreatica magna): The largest of the pancreatic branches, it arises from the mid-portion of the splenic artery and enters the pancreatic parenchyma at the junction of the body and tail. It is a major source of blood supply to the body of the pancreas.

• Artery of tail of pancreas (Caudal pancreatic artery; Arteria caudae pancreatis): Arises from the distal splenic artery or from one of its terminal branches near the splenic hilum. It supplies the tail of the pancreas.

• Multiple small, unnamed pancreatic branches: In addition to the named vessels above, several small arterioles arise directly from the splenic artery along its course and penetrate the superior aspect of the pancreatic body, providing segmental blood supply.