Left Gastroepiploic Artery, Lateral View

Description

Running along the greater curvature of the stomach, the left gastroepiploic (left gastro-omental) artery is shown in lateral profile as it emerges from the splenic artery near the splenic hilum and courses from left to right within the greater omentum. Short gastric branches ascend superiorly toward the fundus, while omental branches descend inferiorly into the gastrocolic ligament and adjacent omental fat. The vessel hugs the visceral surface of the stomach, remaining superficial to the muscularis but deep to the peritoneal covering. Orientation is clean: fundus and spleen lie posterolateral, with the artery tracking anterior to the pancreas along the gastric margin. Surgeons care about this artery because it is both a bleeding risk and a reconstruction option. During sleeve gastrectomy, division along the greater curvature requires controlled ligation of the gastroepiploic arcade and its short gastric branches, where traction near the fundus can open brisk arterial bleeding. In esophageal or gastric reconstruction, the gastroepiploic axis often becomes the pedicle for a gastric conduit, so understanding its lateral course and its anastomosis with the right gastroepiploic artery helps prevent ischemia at the distal conduit and reduces leak risk. Use this illustration in upper GI anatomy teaching to contrast the celiac trunk branches (splenic artery to left gastroepiploic, plus short gastrics) with the right-sided supply from the gastroduodenal system. It also fits operative atlases, bariatric surgery handouts, and radiology correlation pieces discussing angiography or CT angiography landmarks along the greater curvature. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.