Lienal artery

Lienal Artery

The celiac artery and its branches; the stomach has been raised and the peritoneum removed. (Lienal artery is an old term for the splenic artery.)

The Lienal artery, also known as the Splenic artery, is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the spleen. It arises from the celiac artery, which is a branch of the abdominal aorta. The lienal artery is notable for its tortuous course through the abdominal cavity.

Anatomy

The lienal artery typically branches from the celiac artery, although variations in its origin can occur. It follows a tortuous course towards the spleen, giving off several branches along its path. These branches include the pancreatic branches which supply the pancreas, and the short gastric arteries which supply the upper part of the stomach.

The celiac artery and its branches. (Lienal artery is an old term for the splenic artery.)

Clinical significance

Due to its location and size, the lienal artery can be involved in a number of medical conditions. These include splenic artery aneurysm, which is the third most common type of abdominal aneurysm, and splenic artery thrombosis, which can lead to splenic infarction.

See also

• Celiac artery
• Abdominal aorta
• Spleen

External links

• Anatomy Atlases - Anatomic Variants in the Spleen