Pancreatic branches of splenic artery

Pancreatic Branches of the Splenic Artery

Diagram of the splenic artery and its branches, including the pancreatic branches.

The pancreatic branches of the splenic artery are a series of small arteries that supply blood to the pancreas. These branches are crucial for delivering oxygenated blood to the pancreatic tissue, which is essential for the pancreas to perform its endocrine and exocrine functions.

Anatomy

The splenic artery is a major branch of the celiac trunk, which arises from the abdominal aorta. As the splenic artery travels towards the spleen, it gives off several branches to the pancreas. These branches include:

• The dorsal pancreatic artery, which typically arises near the origin of the splenic artery and supplies the body and tail of the pancreas.
• The great pancreatic artery (also known as the arteria pancreatica magna), which is one of the largest branches and supplies the body of the pancreas.
• The caudal pancreatic artery, which supplies the tail of the pancreas.

These arteries form an anastomotic network with branches from the superior mesenteric artery and the gastroduodenal artery, ensuring a rich blood supply to the pancreas.

Function

The primary function of the pancreatic branches of the splenic artery is to provide the pancreas with a sufficient blood supply. This is vital for the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin and glucagon.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the vascular supply of the pancreas is important in surgical procedures involving the pancreas or the spleen. Damage to these arteries can lead to pancreatic ischemia or necrosis. Additionally, in cases of pancreatitis, the blood supply from these arteries can be compromised, affecting pancreatic function.

Related Pages

• Pancreas
• Splenic artery
• Celiac trunk
• Superior mesenteric artery
• Gastroduodenal artery

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