Which artery supplies the spleen?

The spleen is primarily supplied by the splenic artery, which is a branch of the celiac trunk. This artery travels along the upper border of the pancreas and supplies blood specifically to the spleen, providing it with the necessary nutrients and oxygen for its important functions in filtering blood, producing lymphocytes, and recycling iron.

Understanding the blood supply to the spleen is crucial for surgical procedures and managing conditions affecting the spleen, such as splenic rupture or splenectomy. In contrast, the other arteries listed do not directly supply blood to the spleen; for instance, the renal artery supplies the kidneys, the mesenteric artery primarily supplies the intestines, and the hepatic artery supplies the liver. Recognizing the correct artery enhances the knowledge of splenic anatomy and its vascularization, which is essential for those pursuing a career in surgical assistance.