Arteries of the Duodenum, Pancreas, and Spleen, Anterior View

Description

Arterial branches supplying the duodenum, pancreas, and spleen are presented from an anterior perspective in the upper abdomen of an adult male. Across the head of the pancreas, the superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries from the gastroduodenal artery descend and anastomose with the inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries arising from the superior mesenteric artery, encircling the second part of the duodenum along its medial border. More laterally, the splenic artery courses along the superior margin of the pancreatic body and tail toward the splenic hilum, giving off pancreatic branches and typically the short gastric and left gastro-omental arteries as it approaches the fundus-side territory. Dense perfusion is the point. This vascular arrangement matters because it explains both predictable collateral pathways and specific procedural risks: the pancreaticoduodenal arcades form a key anastomosis between the celiac trunk and SMA, which is why celiac stenosis can drive high-flow collateralization and aneurysm formation in the pancreaticoduodenal arteries. During pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure), surgeons must control the gastroduodenal artery and preserve or reconstruct arterial inflow to the pancreatic remnant and biliary-enteric anastomoses, while inadvertent splenic artery injury during distal pancreatectomy can threaten splenic viability. Clear arterial mapping also supports interpretation of upper GI bleeding sources and planning for transcatheter embolization. Use this plate in gross anatomy and GI surgery teaching to anchor the relationship between foregut and midgut blood supply at the duodenal C-loop and pancreatic head. It also fits hepatopancreatobiliary operative atlases, interventional radiology education on visceral angiography, and pathology discussions of splenic infarction or pancreatic ischemia patterns. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.