Which artery is a tortuous branch of the celiac axis and courses along the superior margin of the pancreatic body and tail?

• A. Splenic Artery
• B. Superior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery
• C. Common Hepatic Artery
• D. Gastroduodenal Artery

Answer: (A)

The splenic artery is the vessel that branches from the celiac trunk and travels in a winding course along the superior border of the pancreatic body and tail toward the spleen. This tortuous path makes it a key landmark on imaging, sitting just along the top edge of the pancreas as it winds toward the spleen. The other arteries have different courses: the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery runs along the head of the pancreas and duodenum; the gastroduodenal artery lies near the duodenum and contributes to pancreatic branches; and the common hepatic artery heads toward the liver. The described route—tortuous and along the superior margin of the pancreatic body and tail—best matches the splenic artery.