Which of the following aery is not a terminal branch of coeliac trunk ?
**Core Concept**
The coeliac trunk is a major branch of the abdominal aorta that supplies blood to the foregut structures. It arises from the aorta at the level of T12 and divides into three terminal branches: the left gastric artery, the common hepatic artery, and the splenic artery.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The gastroduodenal artery is not a terminal branch of the coeliac trunk. Instead, it arises from the common hepatic artery, which is one of the terminal branches of the coeliac trunk. The gastroduodenal artery then further divides into the right gastroepiploic artery and the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery. The common hepatic artery itself is responsible for supplying blood to the liver, pylorus, and duodenum. The left gastric artery supplies the stomach, while the splenic artery supplies the spleen and pancreas.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The common hepatic artery is indeed a terminal branch of the coeliac trunk.
**Option B:** The left gastric artery is also a terminal branch of the coeliac trunk.
**Option C:** The splenic artery is another terminal branch of the coeliac trunk.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember the three terminal branches of the coeliac trunk: the left gastric artery, the common hepatic artery, and the splenic artery. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the blood supply to the foregut structures and for identifying potential vascular territories at risk during surgical procedures.
**✓ Correct Answer: D. gastroduodenal artery**