What does the celiac axis primarily supply?

The celiac axis, also known as the celiac trunk, is a major artery that branches off from the abdominal aorta. This artery is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the upper abdominal organs. The structures it primarily serves include the liver, spleen, and stomach.

The liver receives oxygenated blood from the hepatic artery, which is a branch of the celiac trunk. The splenic artery, another branch, supplies blood to the spleen. Additionally, branches such as the left gastric artery provide blood to the stomach. This distribution is crucial for these organs as they play significant roles in digestion, metabolism, and immune function.

Understanding the specific areas supplied by the celiac axis is important in imaging and diagnosis, particularly in abdominal ultrasound, as it can help identify potential vascular abnormalities or pathologies affecting these organs.