Right Gastroepiploic Artery, Anterior View

Description

Arising from the gastroduodenal artery, the right gastroepiploic artery (right gastro-omental artery) runs from right to left along the greater curvature of the stomach, just inferior to the antrum and pylorus. An anterior view also places the vessel in the plane of the greater omentum, where multiple epiploic branches descend into the omental fat while gastric branches turn superiorly toward the anterior wall of the stomach. Proximally, the artery relates to the first part of the duodenum and the pyloric region; distally it approaches its anastomosis with the left gastroepiploic artery near the body of the stomach. This course matters in upper gastrointestinal surgery because the right gastroepiploic artery is commonly divided during distal gastrectomy and must be protected during procedures that preserve the greater curvature. It is also a key pedicle in the right gastroepiploic artery graft used for coronary artery bypass, where understanding its caliber, arcades, and omental branches helps you anticipate length and avoid spasm or inadvertent injury. Bleeding along the greater curvature during omentectomy, bariatric surgery, or ulcer surgery often tracks to this vessel or its short branches. Use this artwork for teaching foregut arterial supply in gross anatomy and surgical anatomy courses, and for atlas or textbook figures discussing gastric resection, omental flap design, and CABG conduit selection. It also supports patient education materials that explain why surgeons work close to the greater curvature when controlling hemorrhage. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.