The stomach is not fed by a single artery but by a comprehensive network of arteries, primarily originating from the celiac trunk, which is the first major branch of the abdominal aorta. This intricate arterial supply ensures continuous blood flow to different regions of the stomach, vital for its digestive functions.
Primary Arterial Sources
The celiac trunk branches into three main arteries, each contributing significantly to the stomach's blood supply:
- Left Gastric Artery: This is the smallest branch of the celiac trunk and usually the first to arise. It ascends to the cardiac portion of the stomach and supplies the lesser curvature and the lower esophagus.
- Splenic Artery: The largest branch of the celiac trunk, the splenic artery travels along the superior border of the pancreas. It gives rise to several crucial branches that supply specific parts of the stomach:
- Short Gastric Arteries: These small arteries originate from the splenic artery or its terminal branches and are essential for supplying the fundus and the upper part of the body of the stomach.
- Posterior Gastric Artery: Also a direct branch of the splenic artery, it contributes to the blood supply of the fundus and upper body of the stomach.
- Left Gastro-omental (Gastroepiploic) Artery: This large branch runs along the greater curvature of the stomach, supplying both the greater curvature and the greater omentum.
- Common Hepatic Artery: This artery typically divides into the proper hepatic artery and the gastroduodenal artery. Its branches vital for the stomach include:
- Right Gastric Artery: Often a branch of the proper hepatic artery (or directly from the common hepatic artery), it descends along the lesser curvature, anastomosing with the left gastric artery.
- Gastroduodenal Artery: This critical branch descends behind the pylorus. It supplies the pylorus of the stomach directly and also gives rise to the right gastro-omental artery.
- Right Gastro-omental (Gastroepiploic) Artery: A terminal branch of the gastroduodenal artery, it runs along the greater curvature, supplying this region and anastomosing with the left gastro-omental artery.
Regional Arterial Supply of the Stomach
The stomach's arterial supply is highly regional, ensuring that each part receives adequate blood flow. This detailed distribution highlights the complexity and efficiency of the gastric vascular system:
| Stomach Region | Primary Arterial Supply | Originating Artery (Branch of Celiac Trunk) |
|---|---|---|
| Fundus | Short Gastric Arteries, Posterior Gastric Artery | Splenic Artery |
| Upper Body | Short Gastric Arteries, Posterior Gastric Artery, Left Gastric Artery | Splenic Artery, Left Gastric Artery |
| Lesser Curvature | Left Gastric Artery, Right Gastric Artery | Left Gastric Artery, Common Hepatic Artery |
| Greater Curvature | Left Gastro-omental (Gastroepiploic) Artery, Right Gastro-omental (Gastroepiploic) Artery | Splenic Artery, Gastroduodenal Artery |
| Pylorus | Gastroduodenal Artery | Common Hepatic Artery |
For further detailed anatomical insights into the arterial supply of the stomach, you can refer to specialized anatomical resources such as 3D Anatomy Platforms.
Anastomoses: A Vital Safeguard
The stomach's arterial supply is characterized by extensive anastomoses, or connections, between the various arteries. For instance, the left and right gastric arteries form an anastomosis along the lesser curvature, and the left and right gastro-omental arteries connect along the greater curvature. These connections are crucial as they provide collateral circulation, ensuring that if one artery is partially blocked or damaged, other pathways can still supply blood to the stomach, minimizing the risk of ischemia. This robust network is a testament to the stomach's vital role in digestion and nutrient absorption.
