Arterial Supply of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Arterial Supply of the G.I.T.

• The arterial supply of the G.I.T. is divided into three main parts: foregut, midgut, and hindgut.

Foregut

• Supplied by the celiac artery
• Extends from the lower 1/3 of the esophagus to the middle of the second part of the duodenum
• Also supplies the liver, spleen, and pancreas

Celiac Artery

• First unpaired median branch of the abdominal aorta
• Short and wide trunk (about 1 cm long)
• Arises from the aorta at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebra
• Lies behind the lesser sac
• Has three terminal branches: left gastric artery, splenic artery, and common hepatic artery

Branches of the Celiac Trunk

• Left gastric artery: supplies the abdominal part of the esophagus and the upper right part of the stomach
• Splenic artery: largest branch, supplies the spleen
  • Runs to the left in a tortuous course along the superior border of the pancreas
  • Enters the splenicorenal ligament and runs to the hilum of the spleen
• Common hepatic artery: supplies the liver, stomach, and duodenum
  • Divides into proper hepatic artery and gastroduodenal artery at the first part of the duodenum

Midgut

• Supplied by the superior mesenteric artery
• Extends from the middle of the second part of the duodenum to the distal third of the transverse colon

Superior Mesenteric Artery

• Second median branch of the abdominal aorta
• Arises from the front of the aorta at the level of the first lumbar vertebra
• Supplies the distal part of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and transverse colon

Hindgut

• Supplied by the inferior mesenteric artery
• Extends from the distal third of the transverse colon to the upper half of the anal canal

Learn about the arterial supply of the Gastrointestinal Tract, divided into foregut, midgut, and hindgut, and the role of the celiac artery.