Splenic artery

Arteria splenica (lienalis)

CardiovascularBlood vesselsAbdomenLeft side

View in 3D

What it is
The largest coeliac branch; it runs a markedly tortuous course to the left along the upper border of the pancreas, behind the stomach, and divides into several branches at the hilum of the spleen.
Function
Supplies the spleen, the body and tail of the pancreas, and via short gastric and left gastro-omental branches the fundus and greater curvature of the stomach.
Size
~5–6 mm diameter; ~10–12 cm long.
Clinical note
Its coiling allows for movement of the stomach and spleen; splenic artery aneurysms are the commonest visceral aneurysms and can rupture in pregnancy.

Nearby cardiovascular structures Abdominal aorta, Coeliac trunk, Common hepatic artery, Hepatic portal vein, Hepatic veins, Left gastric artery, Left renal artery, Left renal vein, Right renal artery, Splenic vein