Open Access

Celiac Trunk

The coeliac trunk (or celiac trunk) is a major artery that supplies the foregut of the gastrointestinal tract. It arises from the abdominal aorta at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebrae. It gives off three major branches called left gastric, common hepatic and splenic arteries. The gastrointestinal tract extends from mouth to the rectum, and enables us to gain nutrients from the food we eat. Gut associated lymphoid tissue performs immunological function by eliminating bacteria and intraluminal toxin and protects the intestinal mucosa from invading pathogens. It has various parts that are specialized to absorb certain nutrients and vitamins e.g. vitamin B12 and bile salts are absorbed in the terminal ileum. The bowel develops in three separate sections, namely the foregutmidgut and hindgut supplied by separate nerves, arteries, and veins. This article will describe the celiac or coeliac trunk (which supplies the foregut), including its branches, and clinical relevance.

Top