Celiac Trunk (Truncus coeliacus)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The celiac trunk is the first major unpaired anterior visceral branch of the abdominal aorta, emerging immediately below the aortic hiatus at the T12 vertebral level. Spanning only 1–2 cm before trifurcating into the left gastric, common hepatic, and splenic arteries, it provides the primary arterial supply to the embryonic foregut derivatives (stomach, abdominal esophagus, proximal duodenum, liver, gallbladder, and spleen).
Clinical notes
Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS / Dunbar syndrome) results from external compression of the celiac trunk by the low insertion of diaphragmatic crural fibers, presenting with postprandial epigastric pain and weight loss.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Celiac Trunk?
The celiac trunk is the first major unpaired anterior visceral branch of the abdominal aorta, emerging immediately below the aortic hiatus at the T12 vertebral level. Spanning only 1–2 cm before trifurcating into the left gastric, common hepatic, and splenic arteries, it provides the primary arterial supply to the embryonic foregut derivatives (stomach, abdominal esophagus, proximal duodenum, liver, gallbladder, and spleen).
Why is the Celiac Trunk clinically important?
Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS / Dunbar syndrome) results from external compression of the celiac trunk by the low insertion of diaphragmatic crural fibers, presenting with postprandial epigastric pain and weight loss.
Source & license
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