Gastroduodenal Artery

VESSEL PATHWAY

The gastroduodenal artery is one of the major divisions of the common hepatic artery.

aorta → celiac artery → common hepatic artery → gastroduodenal artery

Anatomical location of the gastroduodenal artery (source)
Anatomical location of the gastroduodenal artery (source)
FUNCTION

This artery supplies the pylorus of the stomach and proximal portion of the duodenum with blood directly. It supplies the pancreatic head with blood as well (indirectly).

CAUSES OF INJURY

Posterior duodenal ulcers can damage this artery leading to potentially life threatening hemorrhage.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF INJURY

This type of injury can present as a classic upper GI bleed (patient might have coffee ground emesis).

OTHER INFO

 

Page updated: 05.02.2016