caudal pancreatic artery

The caudal pancreatic artery is an artery that branches from the splenic artery and supplies the tail of the pancreas.

It is located in the upper left abdomen, arising from the splenic artery and coursing to the tail of the pancreas, which lies near the splenic hilum.

Its function is to provide the arterial blood supply specifically to the tail of the pancreas, ensuring adequate perfusion of this distal portion of the gland.

Pancreatic tail tumors, distal pancreatitis, and splenic artery aneurysms may be associated with involvement or displacement of the caudal pancreatic artery.

CT angiography or selective splenic angiography may be used to identify and evaluate the caudal pancreatic artery, particularly in the context of distal pancreatic or splenic pathology.