Which artery supplies oxygenated blood to the stomach?

AIIMS CRE SNO - 2023

Applied Anatomy

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS CRE SNO - 2023

Explanation

The celiac artery, or celiac trunk, is the main arterial vessel supplying the stomach, originating as the first major branch of the abdominal aorta.
It is known as the artery of the foregut, providing blood to the stomach, liver, spleen, and parts of the pancreas and duodenum.
The celiac artery gives rise to a rich network of vessels around the stomach, including the left and right gastric arteries, the left and right gastro-epiploic arteries, and the short gastric arteries, ensuring a robust blood supply.

Option A: The carotid arteries are major vessels located in the neck.
Option B: An elastic artery is a structural classification of an artery (e.g., the aorta), characterized by its ability to stretch and recoil. It is not a specific named artery that supplies a particular organ.
Option D: This is not a standard name for a major artery supplying the abdomen. The term 'cephalic' relates to the head, and the 'cephalic vein' is a prominent superficial vein in the arm.

Visual 1: Diagram: The abdominal aorta and its major branches, highlighting the celiac trunk and its distribution to the stomach, liver, and spleen.
Visual 2: Flowchart: Illustrating the branching pattern of the celiac artery into the left gastric, common hepatic, and splenic arteries, and their subsequent branches that supply the stomach.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Arterial supply of the stomach helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the celiac artery's anatomy is vital for nurses managing patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, as its branches are often the source of hemorrhage from peptic ulcers.
Following abdominal surgery or in cases of pancreatitis, a nurse's assessment for signs of compromised blood flow (e.g., abdominal pain, distension, absent bowel sounds) is critical, as it may indicate ischemia related to the celiac artery's territory.
What if? If a patient has a severe, bleeding peptic ulcer along the lesser curvature of the stomach, the nurse should anticipate that the left or right gastric artery (branches of the celiac trunk) is likely involved. This knowledge prompts preparation for potential massive hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock, including frequent vital sign monitoring and ensuring IV access.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of basic anatomy.
First, identify the key organ in the question: the stomach, which is an upper abdominal organ.
Next, evaluate the options based on general anatomical knowledge. The carotid artery is in the neck, supplying the head. 'Elastic artery' is a classification, not a specific vessel. 'Cephalic' relates to the head or the arm (vein).
By elimination, the celiac artery is the only plausible option for an artery supplying an upper abdominal organ.
Confirm this by recalling that the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric, and inferior mesenteric arteries are the three main unpaired branches of the abdominal aorta that supply the gastrointestinal tract.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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