Coeliac trunk

Coeliac Trunk

The coeliac trunk (also known as celiac artery or celiac axis) is a major branch of the abdominal aorta and one of the three anterior/ midline branches of the abdominal aorta, the other two being the superior mesenteric artery and the inferior mesenteric artery. It is responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the stomach, spleen, and liver, among other organs.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The coeliac trunk is typically located at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12) or the first lumbar vertebra (L1). It is about 1.25 cm long and branches almost immediately into three major arteries: the left gastric artery, the common hepatic artery, and the splenic artery.

Branches[edit | edit source]

The coeliac trunk typically gives rise to three major branches:

Left gastric artery: This artery ascends towards the lesser curvature of the stomach, where it anastomoses with the right gastric artery.
Common hepatic artery: This artery usually gives rise to the proper hepatic artery (supplying the liver) and the gastroduodenal artery (supplying the stomach and first part of the duodenum).
Splenic artery: This artery takes a tortuous course towards the spleen, giving off several branches to the pancreas and short gastric arteries to the stomach along its course.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The coeliac trunk is of clinical importance due to its role in supplying blood to several major organs. Conditions such as coeliac artery compression syndrome (also known as median arcuate ligament syndrome) can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain and weight loss due to compression of the coeliac trunk. In addition, the coeliac trunk can be involved in various vascular conditions such as aneurysms and dissections.