Regarding blood supply of pancreas, which of the following is true statement?
The pancreas is supplied by several arteries. The main ones are branches from the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery. The head of the pancreas gets blood from the gastroduodenal artery (a branch of the common hepatic artery from the celiac trunk) and the superior mesenteric artery. The body and tail are supplied by the splenic artery, which branches into the short gastric arteries and left gastroepiploic artery, and also the pancreatic branches from the splenic artery itself.
Now, the common correct answer might be that the splenic artery supplies the body and tail. Let's say the correct option is C. The other options might be incorrect because they mention other arteries like the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (which is from the superior mesenteric artery), or the celiac artery directly, which isn't a direct supplier. Also, some options might mix up the arteries for different parts of the pancreas.
For the clinical pearl, it's important to remember that trauma or surgery in the pancreatic area can affect these arteries, leading to complications. So the key point is the dual supply from both celiac and superior mesenteric systems.
**Core Concept**
The pancreas receives dual blood supply from branches of the **celiac trunk** (common hepatic artery, splenic artery) and the **superior mesenteric artery**. The **head** is supplied by the **gastroduodenal artery** (via inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery), while the **body and tail** are supplied by **splenic artery branches** (great pancreatic artery, dorsal pancreatic artery).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The **splenic artery** provides the **main blood supply to the pancreatic body and tail** via direct branches like the great pancreatic artery. This artery runs along the superior border of the pancreas, supplying its length. The dual vascularization ensures redundancy, reducing ischemic risk during partial pancreatectomy.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect if it claims the **celiac artery** directly supplies the pancreas; the celiac trunk gives rise to **hepatic and splenic arteries**, which in turn supply pancreatic branches.
**Option B:** Incorrect if it states the **superior mesenteric artery** (SMA) supplies the entire pancreas; the SMA only contributes to the **head** via the **inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery**.
**Option D:** Incorrect if it attributes the **gastroduodenal artery** as the sole supplier; it only supplies the **head**, not the body/tail.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In trauma or surgery, the **splenic artery** is the most commonly injured intra-abdominal artery. Remember the **"pancreatic tail is splenic"** (splenic artery supplies it) and **"head is hepatic"** (gastroduodenal artery from hepatic artery).
**Correct Answer: C. The splenic artery supplies the body and tail of the pancreas.**