Short gastric artery is a branch of –
**Core Concept**
The short gastric arteries are a group of small arteries that supply blood to the fundus of the stomach. They arise from the splenic artery, which is a branch of the celiac trunk.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The splenic artery, also known as the lienal artery, is a major artery that arises from the celiac trunk, the first major branch of the abdominal aorta. It supplies blood to the spleen, the pancreas, and the stomach, including the fundus. The short gastric arteries are small branches that arise from the splenic artery to supply the fundus of the stomach. This provides oxygenated blood to the gastric mucosa, facilitating digestion and absorption of nutrients.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as the left gastroepiploic artery is a branch of the splenic artery, but it supplies the greater curvature of the stomach, not the fundus.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as the right gastroepiploic artery is a branch of the gastroduodenal artery, which is a branch of the common hepatic artery, and it supplies the greater curvature of the stomach, not the fundus.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as the left gastric artery is a branch of the celiac trunk, but it supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach, not the fundus.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The short gastric arteries are an important landmark in surgical procedures involving the stomach, such as gastrectomies and splenectomies. Knowledge of their origin and course can help surgeons avoid damage to these arteries and prevent complications.
**Correct Answer: D.**