Where does the splenic artery originate?

The splenic artery originates from the celiac axis, which is a major arterial trunk that supplies blood to the upper abdominal organs. The celiac axis branches off from the aorta, usually at the level of the T12-L1 vertebrae. After its origin, the celiac axis quickly bifurcates into three main branches: the left gastric artery, the common hepatic artery, and the splenic artery.

This anatomical relationship is crucial for understanding the vascular supply of the spleen and its association with the nearby organs, such as the stomach and pancreas. These branches facilitate the proper perfusion of these organs and play a significant role in various surgical procedures involving the upper abdomen. Understanding the anatomy of the celiac trunk and its branches is essential for interpreting abdominal ultrasound images and for performing related clinical evaluations.