Celiac artery

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The celiac artery (also known as the celiac trunk) is a major artery that supplies oxygenated blood to the foregut of the gastrointestinal tract. It arises from the abdominal aorta and is one of the three anterior branches of the abdominal aorta, the others being the superior mesenteric artery and the inferior mesenteric artery.

Anatomy

The celiac artery typically arises from the abdominal aorta at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12). It is a short, thick vessel that quickly divides into three major branches:

• The left gastric artery, which supplies the stomach and the lower part of the esophagus.
• The common hepatic artery, which supplies the liver, gallbladder, and parts of the stomach, duodenum, and pancreas.
• The splenic artery, which supplies the spleen, parts of the stomach, and the pancreas.

Function

The primary function of the celiac artery is to provide oxygenated blood to the organs of the foregut, which includes the stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, and the upper part of the duodenum. This is crucial for the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Clinical significance

The celiac artery can be involved in various medical conditions, such as:

• Celiac artery compression syndrome (also known as median arcuate ligament syndrome), where the artery is compressed by the median arcuate ligament, leading to abdominal pain and other symptoms.
• Aneurysms of the celiac artery, which can be life-threatening if they rupture.
• Stenosis or narrowing of the celiac artery, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the organs it supplies.

See also

• Abdominal aorta
• Superior mesenteric artery
• Inferior mesenteric artery
• Portal vein
• Foregut