From the Research
The correct answer is b. gastroduodenal artery, as it is the primary supplier of the second part of the duodenum through its branches, the superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries. The gastroduodenal artery originates from the common hepatic artery and descends behind the first part of the duodenum, then divides into the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery and the right gastroepiploic artery 1. The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery further divides into anterior and posterior branches that supply the second part of the duodenum. This vascular anatomy is clinically significant because ulcers in this region can erode into these vessels, potentially causing life-threatening hemorrhage.
Key Points to Consider
- The right gastric artery primarily supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach, while the superior mesenteric artery supplies the distal duodenum (third and fourth parts) and jejunum, not the second part of the duodenum.
- The gastroduodenal artery's unique anatomical position and its intimate communications with foregut and midgut arterial supply make it crucial for planning and performance of hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery 1.
- Knowledge of the anatomical variations of the gastroduodenal artery and its branches is fundamental for visceral surgeons and interventional radiologists, especially in managing hemorrhagic duodenal ulcers or performing arterial embolizations related to the rupture of pseudoaneurysms of the pancreatic arcades 2.
Clinical Implications
- The gastroduodenal artery can be a cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to true or pseudoaneurysms, and its anatomy has significant implications on its management 1.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of gastroduodenal artery aneurysm rupture are critical to prevent fatal outcomes, and computed tomography of the abdomen can be used to make the diagnosis 3.
- The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery, a branch of the gastroduodenal artery, exhibits rare anatomical variations, such as its emergence from the right branch of the hepatic artery, which can be identified during cadaver dissection or imaging studies 2.