Prepancreatic artery
Arteria prepancreatica
- Latin synonym: Arteria praepancreatica
Definition
The prepancreatic artery (Arteria praepancreatica) is a small terminal branch resulting from the anastomosis between the right branch of the dorsal pancreatic artery and the anterosuperior pancreaticoduodenal artery, formed on the anterior surface of the pancreas.
Formation and location: As the dorsal pancreatic artery descends behind the pancreas, its right branch turns forward and joins the anterosuperior pancreaticoduodenal artery (a branch of the gastroduodenal artery). Their union on the anterior aspect of the pancreas constitutes the prepancreatic artery.
Relations: It sits within the pancreatic branch hierarchy of the splenic artery, as a terminal branch of the dorsal pancreatic artery.
Supplied structures: Given its position and anastomotic origin, it contributes to the arterial supply of the anterior surface of the head/neck of the pancreas, reinforcing the anastomotic network between the coeliac (via the dorsal pancreatic artery) and superior mesenteric (via the anterosuperior pancreaticoduodenal artery) territories.
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