Left gastric artery

The left gastric artery is a primary branch of the celiac artery, which is the first major unpaired branch of the abdominal aorta. The left gastric artery arises from the celiac artery in conjunction with the splenic artery and hepatic artery.

From its origin, the left gastric artery courses cranially and to the left, traveling toward the lesser curvature of the stomach. It ascends along the cardia and continues along the lesser curvature within the lesser omentum (in the hepatogastric ligament).

Branches and Anastomoses

• As it travels along the lesser curvature, the left gastric artery gives off:

  • Esophageal branches: These ascend through the esophageal hiatus to supply the abdominal portion of the esophagus.

  • Gastric branches: Numerous small branches supply the anterior and posterior walls of the stomach near the lesser curvature.

• The left gastric artery forms an important anastomosis with the right gastric artery, which usually arises from the hepatic artery. This anastomosis contributes to the arterial arcade along the lesser curvature.