Anatomy
Course
Largest branch of the celiac trunk of the abdominal aorta. It travels laterally from the celiac trunk within the splenorenal ligament, taking a twisted course along the superior border of the pancreas, travelling posterior to the stomach. It divides into many small branches and enters the spleen at the hilum.
Supply
Supplies the spleen directly, and gives off smaller branches to supply other organs in the abdomen. It gives off short gastric branches to supply the stomach and a number of small branches to supply the superior aspect of the head, body and tail of the pancreas.
Clinical
Splenic artery aneurysms occur in approximately 1% of the population and carry a high mortality rate. They are usually found incidentally.
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