Celiac artery

The celiac artery (also known as the truncus celiacus) is the first unpaired visceral branch of the abdominal aorta, arising just after it passes through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm. It typically originates around the level of the first lumbar vertebra, though this may vary slightly with species.

Branches and Supply

The celiac artery classically divides into three major branches:

• Left Gastric Artery:

  • Ascends and supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach and the esophagus.

  • Anastomoses with the right gastric artery.

• Hepatic Artery:

  • Travels toward the liver, giving off:

    • Hepatic branches to the liver.

    • Cystic artery to the gallbladder (when present).

    • Right gastric artery (to the lesser curvature of the stomach).

    • Gastroduodenal artery, which gives:

      • Right gastroepiploic artery (greater curvature).

      • Cranial pancreaticoduodenal artery (to the duodenum and pancreas).

• Splenic Artery:

  • Runs to the spleen, supplying it with branches.

  • Also gives:

    • Short gastric arteries to the fundus.

    • Left gastroepiploic artery to the greater curvature of the stomach.