From the Research
The main vessel supplying the body of the pancreas is the splenic artery. The splenic artery is a major branch of the celiac trunk that runs along the superior border of the pancreas, giving off multiple pancreatic branches as it courses toward the spleen. These branches include the dorsal pancreatic artery, the pancreatica magna artery, and the caudal pancreatic artery, which collectively provide the primary blood supply to the pancreatic body 1. This arterial supply is important for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the pancreatic tissue, supporting both its exocrine function (digestive enzyme production) and endocrine function (hormone secretion from the islets of Langerhans). The body of the pancreas requires this robust blood supply to maintain its metabolic activities and secretory functions. The venous drainage of the pancreatic body generally follows the arterial pattern, with blood ultimately draining into the portal venous system.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the blood supply to the pancreas include:
- The splenic artery gives off multiple pancreatic branches, including the dorsal pancreatic artery, the pancreatica magna artery, and the caudal pancreatic artery 2.
- The superior horizontal pancreatic artery of Popova is a variant of the pancreatica magna artery that can be found in approximately 25.93% of cases 1.
- The dorsal pancreatic artery can also provide a significant blood supply to the pancreas, and its size, location, and course should be established due to its central role in the blood supply to the pancreas 3.
- Variations in the blood supply to the pancreas can have important clinical implications, particularly in surgical procedures 4, 5.
Overall, the splenic artery plays a crucial role in supplying the body of the pancreas with the necessary oxygen and nutrients to maintain its metabolic activities and secretory functions.