Splenic artery

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Splenic Artery

The Splenic Artery (/spliːnɪk ˈɑːrtəri/; from the Latin splenicus, meaning "pertaining to the spleen") is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the spleen. It is one of the three branches of the celiac artery, the others being the left gastric artery and the common hepatic artery.

Anatomy

The splenic artery originates from the celiac artery, which is located in the upper part of the abdomen. It follows a tortuous course towards the spleen, giving off several branches along its path. These branches include the pancreatic branches, which supply the pancreas, and the short gastric arteries, which supply the upper part of the stomach.

Function

The primary function of the splenic artery is to transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the spleen. The spleen plays a crucial role in the body's immune system, filtering blood and producing white blood cells to fight off infections.

Clinical Significance

Damage or disease of the splenic artery can lead to serious health complications. For instance, a splenic artery aneurysm is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a section of the artery weakens and bulges. This can lead to rupture and internal bleeding if not treated promptly.

See Also

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External links

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