Arteries of the Duodenum, Pancreas, and Spleen, Posterior View

Description

Posteriorly, the pancreatic head lies nestled in the C loop of the duodenum, with the uncinate process extending inferomedially toward the superior mesenteric vessels. The splenic artery courses tortuously along the posterior border of the pancreas toward the splenic hilum on the left, giving off multiple pancreatic branches to the body and tail and terminating as segmental splenic branches. Superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries form arterial arcades around the head of the pancreas, wrapping from the gastroduodenal and superior mesenteric origins and anastomosing along the medial aspect of the descending duodenum. Small arterioles ramify across the lobulated glandular surface, denser toward the tail near the splenic hilum. A posterior perspective clarifies why pancreatic arterial anatomy can be unforgiving in the operating room and on angiography, because the splenic artery and its short pancreatic branches sit directly against the retroperitoneal surface of the gland and are easily injured during mobilization of the pancreatic body and tail. This relationship matters in distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy or spleen-preserving techniques (Warshaw or vessel-preserving approaches), where control of splenic inflow and recognition of segmental splenic perfusion reduce postoperative splenic infarction and hemorrhage. Pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocysts can also erode these vessels, producing splenic artery pseudoaneurysm, a well-known source of delayed upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Use this plate for teaching foregut and midgut vascular territories in gross anatomy, for clarifying pancreaticoduodenal arcade collateral pathways in radiology lectures, or for surgical atlas figures covering pancreatic resection planes and splenic hilar control. It also fits endocrinology and GI modules that connect islet-rich tail anatomy with regional blood supply. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.