AnatomyAbdomenNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomen

Arteries of the pancreas, duodenum and spleen

Learning objectives

After going through this study unit, you will be able to:

Describe the arterial supply of the pancreas, duodenum and spleen.
Name the main arteries and their branches that supply these organs.
Visualize the course of these arteries and their anatomical relations.

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The pancreas, duodenum and spleen are supplied with oxygenated blood by arteries that stem from the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery, both of which originate from the abdominal aorta.

The supply of blood to the duodenum, as well as the head and uncinate process of the pancreas is mainly carried by the anterior and posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries (branches of the gastroduodenal artery) and the anterior and posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries (branches of the superior mesenteric artery), which form an arterial arcade. The neck, body and tail of the pancreas are supplied by numerous branches that stem mainly from the splenic artery.

The arterial supply of the spleen comes from the splenic artery, which is a direct branch of the celiac trunk.

The video tutorial will help you to understand the arterial supply of the pancreas, duodenum and spleen learning the key facts about the blood vessels involved.

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Browse atlas

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Summary

Key points about the arteries of the pancreas, duodenum and spleen
Pancreas	Superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries: branches of gastroduodenal artery, form pancreaticoduodenal arcades which run anteriorly and posteriorly with inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries; supply head and neck of pancreas Inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries: branches of superior mesenteric artery, form pancreaticoduodenal arcades which run anteriorly and posteriorly with superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries; supply head and uncinate process of pancreas Splenic artery: direct branch of celiac trunk; supplies body and tail of pancreas (via dorsal and great pancreatic arteries and artery of tail of pancreas)
Duodenum	Superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries: branches of gastroduodenal artery; form pancreaticoduodenal arcades with inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries, supply superior and descending part of duodenum Inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries: branches of the superior mesenteric artery, form pancreaticoduodenal arcades with superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries; supply horizontal and ascending part of duodenum Supraduodenal and retroduodenal arteries: branches of gastroduodenal artery (or common hepatic artery); mainly supplies superior/posterior part of duodenum
Spleen	Splenic artery: direct branch of celiac trunk; divides into 2 or 3 splenic branches

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