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Gastroduodenal artery

Recommended video: Arteries of the stomach, liver and spleen [14:13]
Arteries which supply the stomach, liver and spleen.
Gastroduodenal artery (Arteria gastroduodenalis)

The gastroduodenal artery (GDA) is a branch of the common hepatic artery that supplies the pylorus of the stomach, superior part of the duodenum, and the head of the pancreas. It is located in the epigastric region of the abdomen, coursing behind the duodenum. 

The gastroduodenal artery terminates by dividing into two branches; the right gastroepiploic and superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the gastroduodenal artery.

Key facts about the gastroduodenal artery
Origin Common hepatic artery
Branches Right gastroepiploic and superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries
Supply Pylorus of stomach, proximal duodenum, head of pancreas
Contents
  1. Course
  2. Branches and supply
  3. Sources
+ Show all

Course

The gastroduodenal artery arises from the common hepatic artery posterosuperior to the upper border of the superior part of the duodenum. It courses inferiorly behind the duodenum and terminates at its lower border, where it divides into its terminal branches.

Branches and supply

The gastroduodenal artery gives off two branches; the right gastroepiploic and superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries.

  • Right gastroepiploic artery: arises between the superior part of the duodenum and the pancreas. At the level of the head of the pancreas, it courses left to enter in between the layers of the greater omentum, passing along the greater curvature of the stomach. Roughly in the middle of the curvature, it anastomoses with the left gastroepiploic artery.
  • Superior pancreaticoduodenal artery: is a paired artery usually containing an anterior and posterior division. The anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery courses inferiorly in the anterior groove between the descending part of the duodenum and head of the pancreas. This artery anastomoses with the anterior division of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, supplying the head of the pancreas. The posterior pancreaticoduodenal artery arises at the upper border of the superior part of the duodenum. It anastomoses with the posterior division of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, supplying the head of the pancreas and the superior and descending parts of the duodenum.

Test yourself on the arteries of the stomach, liver and spleen with our interactive quiz.

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