SPLENIC ARTERY. 311 



The Branches of the hepatic artery are, the 



Pyloric, 



~ , , ,. ( Gastro-epiploica dextra, 



Gastro-duodenahs, | p anc reatico-duodenalis 



Cystic. 



The Pyloric branch, given off from the hepatic near the pylorus, is dis- 

 tributed to the commencement of the duodenum 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 duo- 

 denum, partly concealed by the attachment of the pancreas, and is distri- 

 buted to the pancreas and duodenum. It inosculates inferiorly with the 

 first jejunal, and with the pancreatic branches of the superior mesenteric 

 artery. 



The Cystic artery, generally a branch of the right hepatic, is of small 

 size, and ramifies between the coats of the gall-bladder, previously to its 

 distribution to the mucous membrane. 



The SPLENIC ARTERY, the largest of the three branches of the cffiliac 

 axis, passes horizontally to the left along the upper border of the pancreas, 

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

 spleen, and are distributed to its structure. In its course it is tortuous 

 and serpentine, and frequently makes a complete turn upon itself. It lies 

 in a narrow groove in the upper border of the pancreas, and is accom- 

 panied by the splenic vein, and by the splenic plexus of nerves. 



The Brandies of the splenic artery are the 



Pancreaticse parvae, 

 Pancreatica magna, 

 Vasa brevia, 

 Gastro-epiploica sinistra. 



The Pancreatica parva are numerous small branches distributed to the 

 pancreas, as the splenic border runs along its upper border. One of these, 

 larger than the rest, follows the course of the pancreatic duct, and is called 

 pancreatica magna. 



The Vasa brevia are five or six branches of small size which pass from 

 the extremity of the splenic artery and its terminal branches, between the 

 layers of the gastro-splenic omentum, to the great end of the stomach, to 

 which they are distributed, inosculating with branches of the gastric artery 

 and gastro-epiploica sinistra. 



The Gastro-epiploica sinistra appears to be the continuation of the 

 splenic artery ; it passes forwards from left to right, along the great curve 

 of the stomach, lying between the layers of the great omentum, and inos- 



