Stomach is supplied by ?
**Core Concept**
The stomach receives its blood supply from branches of the celiac trunk and the abdominal aorta, primarily through the gastric arteries. This blood supply is crucial for the stomach's digestive functions and overall health.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is the left gastric artery, which is a branch of the celiac trunk. The left gastric artery supplies the majority of the stomach's blood, including the lesser curvature and the proximal part of the greater curvature. This artery plays a vital role in maintaining the stomach's mucosal integrity and facilitating nutrient absorption. The left gastric artery also gives off several smaller branches, including the right and left gastroepiploic arteries, which further subdivide the stomach's blood supply.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The right gastric artery is a smaller branch of the hepatic artery, which is a branch of the common hepatic artery. While it does supply the stomach, it is not the primary artery.
**Option B:** The splenic artery is a branch of the celiac trunk that primarily supplies the spleen and the short gastric arteries, which supply the fundus of the stomach.
**Option C:** The right gastroepiploic artery is a branch of the gastroduodenal artery and primarily supplies the greater curvature of the stomach, but not the entire stomach.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The gastric arteries are susceptible to atherosclerosis and emboli, which can lead to gastric infarction, also known as gastric ischemia. This condition requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
**Correct Answer: A. Left gastric artery**