Splenic artery

The splenic arterys is one of the three branches of the celiac artery, serving the spleen and related abdominal structures.

From its origin, the splenic artery travels to the left along the dorsal abdominal wall, coursing in the direction of the spleen. Its pathway is typically tortuous, especially in species with larger spleens like dogs and pigs.

Branches and Supply

• Pancreatic branches: Before reaching the spleen, the splenic artery gives off branches to the pancreas, particularly to the left lobe. In some species, especially the dog and horse, these branches contribute significantly to pancreatic vascularization.

• Splenic branches: These enter the spleen at its hilum. In dogs and pigs, there are multiple small arteries; in ruminants, fewer larger branches are often observed.

• Short gastric arteries: These supply the fundic region of the stomach. They are particularly prominent in carnivores and horses, running between the spleen and the stomach.

• Left gastroepiploic artery: A major terminal branch in many species (notably the dog), which runs along the greater curvature of the stomach within the greater omentum, anastomosing with the right gastroepiploic artery from the gastroduodenal branch of the hepatic artery.