transverse pancreatic artery

The transverse pancreatic artery, also known as the inferior pancreatic artery, is an artery that branches from the dorsal pancreatic artery and supplies the body and tail of the pancreas.

It is located in the upper abdomen, running transversely along the inferior border of the body and tail of the pancreas after arising from the dorsal pancreatic artery.

Its function is to supply oxygenated blood to the body and tail of the pancreas, traveling along the inferior pancreatic margin and contributing to the longitudinal arterial network of the gland.

Pancreatitis and pancreatic body or tail tumors may be associated with compromise or displacement of the transverse pancreatic artery, making knowledge of its anatomy relevant in surgical planning.

CT angiography or MR angiography of the abdomen may be used to visualize the transverse pancreatic artery and assess its relationship to pancreatic lesions or surrounding structures.