Anterior Perspective of the Left Gastric Artery

Description

Arising from the celiac trunk, the left gastric artery courses superiorly and to the left toward the cardia, then turns to run along the lesser curvature between the layers of the lesser omentum. An anterior perspective places the vessel on the ventral surface of the proximal stomach, near the gastroesophageal junction, with the abdominal esophagus entering the cardial region superiorly and the pyloric region and proximal duodenum situated inferiorly. Small esophageal branches typically ascend to the distal esophagus, while gastric branches descend on the anterior wall near the lesser curvature. Relationships to the stomach’s J-shaped contour and the lesser curvature are easy to appreciate. Left gastric arterial anatomy matters because it marks the main arterial supply to the lesser curvature and a common pathway for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. During subtotal gastrectomy, antrectomy, and oncologic lymphadenectomy along the lesser curvature, surgeons routinely identify and ligate the left gastric artery near its origin while preserving adjacent structures in the hepatogastric ligament; anatomic variants such as a replaced left hepatic artery arising from the left gastric artery directly change operative planning. Portal hypertensive collateralization can also enlarge left gastric venous tributaries at the cardia, and arterial landmarks help orient endoscopic and surgical management of bleeding near the gastroesophageal junction. Clear vessel-to-organ mapping reduces ambiguity. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and GI block teaching to anchor the celiac trunk branches on the stomach’s external surface, and in surgical atlases discussing gastrectomy steps, bariatric approaches near the cardia, or lymph node stations along the lesser curvature. It also fits well in radiology or endoscopy education when correlating arterial territories with ulcer location and hemostasis strategies. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.