Vessel
Left gastric artery
Celiac route to the cardia and lesser curvature
High-yield
Keep artery and vein separate: the left gastric artery supplies tissue, whereas left gastric venous tributaries participate in lower-esophageal portosystemic connections.
Overview
The left gastric artery approaches the esophagogastric junction and then follows the lesser curvature. It supplies gastric and lower esophageal branches and communicates with the right gastric arterial network.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually branches from the celiac trunk; variants occur.
- Course
- Ascends toward the cardia, then turns along the lesser curvature within the lesser omentum.
- Branches
- Gastric and esophageal branches; some individuals also have a hepatic branch from this artery.
- Supplies
- Supplies the cardia, nearby lesser-curvature stomach and lower esophagus.
- Drains to
- Venous blood from this territory returns largely through the left gastric vein to the portal system.
Clinical correlation
An accessory or replaced left hepatic artery can arise from the left gastric artery. That variant extends the vessel's importance beyond the stomach to arterial perfusion of part of the liver.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the left gastric artery originate?
Usually branches from the celiac trunk; variants occur.
What does the left gastric artery supply?
Supplies the cardia, nearby lesser-curvature stomach and lower esophagus.
Where does the left gastric artery drain to?
The left gastric artery drains to the venous blood from this territory returns largely through the left gastric vein to the portal system.
What are the branches of the left gastric artery?
Gastric and esophageal branches; some individuals also have a hepatic branch from this artery.