Which of the Following is Descriptive of the Celiac Trunk

Question

Which of the following is descriptive of the celiac trunk?
A) A branch of the ascending aorta
B) Gives rise to the gastric, splenic, and hepatic arteries
C) Is part of the hepatic portal system
D) A branch of the thoracic aorta

Accepted Answer

The celiac trunk is a short vessel that arises from the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta just below the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm. It supplies oxygen-rich blood to the stomach, spleen, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and the upper part of the duodenum. The three major branches of the celiac trunk are the left gastric artery, the splenic artery, and the common hepatic artery. The left gastric artery supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach, the esophagus, and the lower part of the esophageal and cardiac region. The splenic artery supplies the spleen and the pancreas. The common hepatic artery supplies the liver, the gallbladder, and the upper part of the duodenum.