300 SPLENIC ARTERY - BRANCHES. 



hepatic plexus of nerves and numerous lymphatics. There are some- 

 times two hepatic arteries, in which case one is derived from the 

 superior mesenteric artery. 



The Branches of the hepatic artery are the 



Pyloric" 



,. ( Gastro-epiploica dextra, 

 Gastro-duodenahs, j p ancr ea^uo<fenajk 



Cystic. 



The Pyloric branch given off from the hepatic near to the pylorus, 

 is distributed to the commencement of the duodenuni and to the 

 lesser curve of the stomach, where it inosculates with the gastric 

 artery. 



The Gastro-duodenalis artery is a short but large trunk, which 

 descends behind the pylorus, and divides into two branches, the 

 gastro-epiploica dextra, and .pancreatico-duodenalis. Previously to 

 its division, it gives off some inferior pyloric branches to the small 

 end of the stomach. 



The Gastro-epiploica dextra runs along the great curve of the 

 stomach lying between the two layers of the great omentum, and 

 inosculates at about its middle with the gastro-epiploica sinistra, a 

 branch of the splenic artery. It supplies the great curve of the 

 stomach and the great omentum ; hence the derivation of its name. 



The Pancreatico-duodenalis curves along the fixed border of the 

 duodenum, partly concealed by the attachment of the pancreas, and 

 is distributed to the pancreas and duodenum. It inosculates infe- 

 riorly with the first jejunal and with the pancreatic branches of the 

 superior mesenteric artery. 



The Cystic artery, generally a branch of the r.ight hepatic, is of 

 small size, and ramifies between the. coats of the^all bladder, pre- ; 

 viously to its distribution to the mucous membrane. 



The SPLEMC ARTERY, the largest of the three branches ofs tlie. 

 cceliac axis, passes horizontally to the left along the upper border. bY 

 the pancreas, and divides into five or six large branches which enter 

 the hilum of the spleen and are distributed to its structure. In its 

 course it is tortuous and serpentine, and frequently makes a com- 

 plete turn upon itself. It lies in a narrow groove in the upper border 

 of the pancreas, and is accompanied by the splenic vein, and by the 

 splenic plexus, of nerves. 



The Branches of the splenic artery are 



Pancreaticas parvae, 

 Pancreatica magna, 

 Vasa brevia, 

 Gastro-epiploica sinistra. 



The Pancreatica parvce are numerous small branches distributed 

 to the pancreas, as the splenic artery runs along its upper border. 



