Which artery is a branch of the common hepatic artery and lies between the superior portion of the duodenum and the anterior surface of the pancreatic head?

• A. Gastroduodenal Artery
• B. Right Gastric Artery
• C. Left Gastric Artery
• D. Pancreaticoduodenal Artery

Answer: (A)

The key idea is the anatomical path of the gastroduodenal artery. It branches from the common hepatic artery and travels downward behind the first part of the duodenum, then runs along the superior border of the head of the pancreas. In this course it sits between the superior portion of the duodenum and the anterior surface of the pancreatic head, which is exactly the relationship described. From this position it gives off the superior pancreaticoduodenal branches to the head of the pancreas and duodenum and continues as the right gastro-omental artery along the stomach. That specific spatial relationship points to the gastroduodenal artery.