Arteria celiaca

Arteria Celiaca is a major branch of the abdominal aorta and is the first major branch of the abdominal aorta. The celiac artery supplies oxygenated blood to the liver, stomach, abdominal esophagus, spleen and the superior half of the duodenum.

Anatomy

The celiac artery arises from the front of the aorta immediately below the aortic diaphragm. It is about 1.25 cm in length. The artery is surrounded by the celiac plexus, the largest of the autonomic plexuses.

Branches

The celiac artery has three major branches:

• Left gastric artery: This artery arises from the celiac trunk and runs along the lesser curvature of the stomach. It supplies blood to the lesser curvature of the stomach and the lower part of the esophagus.
• Common hepatic artery: This artery usually gives off the proper hepatic artery and the gastroduodenal artery. The proper hepatic artery supplies blood to the liver and gallbladder, while the gastroduodenal artery supplies blood to the stomach and the first part of the duodenum.
• Splenic artery: This artery takes a tortuous course towards the spleen, giving off several branches to the pancreas and the greater curvature of the stomach along its course.

Clinical significance

The celiac artery can be involved in a variety of clinical conditions. These include celiac artery compression syndrome, where the celiac artery is compressed by the median arcuate ligament, leading to postprandial abdominal pain and weight loss. It can also be involved in aneurysms, which can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding if they rupture.

See also

• Abdominal aorta
• Aneurysm
• Median arcuate ligament syndrome