Left gastroepiploic artery

Diagram showing the blood supply to the stomach, including the left gastroepiploic artery.

The left gastroepiploic artery is a significant blood vessel that supplies blood to the stomach and the greater omentum. It is one of the branches of the splenic artery, which itself is a branch of the celiac trunk.

Anatomy

The left gastroepiploic artery arises from the splenic artery near the hilum of the spleen. It travels along the greater curvature of the stomach, running between the layers of the greater omentum. As it courses along the stomach, it provides numerous branches that supply the stomach wall and the omentum.

Anatomical illustration of the stomach and surrounding arteries.

The artery anastomoses with the right gastroepiploic artery, which is a branch of the gastroduodenal artery. This anastomosis forms an important collateral circulation around the stomach, ensuring adequate blood supply even if one of the arteries is compromised.

Function

The primary function of the left gastroepiploic artery is to supply oxygenated blood to the stomach and the greater omentum. The greater omentum is a large fold of visceral peritoneum that hangs down from the stomach, providing protection and immune support to the abdominal organs.

Clinical Significance

The left gastroepiploic artery is often used in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) due to its size and length. Surgeons may harvest this artery to create a bypass around blocked coronary arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.

Injuries or diseases affecting the left gastroepiploic artery can lead to compromised blood supply to the stomach, potentially resulting in gastric ischemia or ulcers. Understanding its anatomy is crucial for surgical procedures involving the stomach and spleen.

Related Pages

• Splenic artery
• Celiac trunk
• Right gastroepiploic artery
• Greater omentum
• Coronary artery bypass grafting