coeliac trunk and branches

2 min read 14-03-2025

The coeliac trunk, also known as the celiac artery, is a vital blood vessel supplying oxygenated blood to a significant portion of the abdominal viscera. Understanding its anatomy, branches, and clinical significance is crucial for medical professionals and students alike. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the coeliac trunk and its branches.

Anatomy of the Coeliac Trunk

The coeliac trunk originates from the abdominal aorta, typically at the level of the T12 vertebra. It's a short, thick artery that quickly branches into three major vessels: the common hepatic artery, the splenic artery, and the left gastric artery. These arteries supply blood to a range of crucial organs. Its location is directly anterior to the superior mesenteric artery.

The Three Main Branches

1. Common Hepatic Artery

The common hepatic artery, as its name suggests, primarily supplies the liver. However, it also gives rise to other important branches before reaching the liver. These include:

Gastroduodenal artery: This branch supplies the stomach and duodenum.
Right gastric artery: This artery supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach.
Proper hepatic artery: This artery branches into the left and right hepatic arteries, ultimately supplying the liver itself. It also sends branches to the gallbladder via the cystic artery.

2. Splenic Artery

The splenic artery is the largest branch of the coeliac trunk. It's a tortuous vessel that follows a winding course along the superior border of the pancreas. Its branches include:

Pancreatic branches: These supply the pancreas with oxygenated blood.
Short gastric arteries: These arteries supply the fundus of the stomach.
Left gastroepiploic artery: This artery supplies the greater curvature of the stomach.

The splenic artery's ultimate destination is the spleen, where it provides the organ with its blood supply.

3. Left Gastric Artery

The left gastric artery is the smallest of the three main branches. It runs superiorly along the lesser curvature of the stomach, supplying this region with oxygenated blood. It also gives off esophageal branches supplying the lower part of the esophagus.

Clinical Significance

A compromised coeliac trunk or its branches can lead to serious complications. Conditions such as:

Coeliac trunk aneurysm: A bulge in the coeliac trunk wall can rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.
Coeliac artery compression syndrome (median arcuate ligament syndrome): This condition results from compression of the coeliac artery, leading to abdominal pain and digestive issues.
Ischemic bowel disease: Reduced blood flow to the intestines due to blockage or narrowing of the coeliac trunk or its branches can result in intestinal ischemia. This is a serious condition that can lead to necrosis (tissue death) and requires immediate medical attention.

Diagnostic Imaging

Several imaging techniques are used to visualize the coeliac trunk and its branches, including:

Celiac angiography: This invasive procedure involves injecting contrast dye into the coeliac trunk to visualize its branches and detect any abnormalities.
Computed tomography angiography (CTA): This non-invasive imaging technique uses X-rays and contrast dye to create detailed 3D images of the blood vessels.
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): This non-invasive technique uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the blood vessels.

Conclusion

The coeliac trunk is a critical vessel supplying oxygenated blood to several essential abdominal organs. Understanding its anatomy, branches, and potential clinical implications is crucial for diagnosing and treating various gastrointestinal disorders. Advanced imaging techniques allow for detailed visualization and assessment of the coeliac trunk and its branches, contributing to improved patient care. Further research continues to refine our understanding of this complex vascular network.