Do you know about this small, but very important blood vessel inside our stomach? (Celiac Trunk)

You feel a little sleepy after eating lunch, right? It's common for all of us. At that time, we think it's because our stomach is full. That's true, but do you know the scientific story behind it? The organs in our stomach (like the liver , stomach , pancreas ) need more blood to digest the food we eat. So, an amazing system in our body pumps more blood to those organs. Today, we're going to talk about a major, very important blood vessel that helps with that job. That's the Celiac Trunk.

Simply put, what is this Celiac Trunk?

The Celiac Trunk is a major artery, or blood vessel, in our abdomen, that is, in the upper part of our stomach. It is directly connected to the largest blood vessel in our body, the aorta. It is like a large water main that supplies water to our homes, and separate pipes that branch off to the kitchen and bathroom. This Celiac Trunk, which branches off from the largest blood vessel, the aorta, supplies clean, oxygenated blood to several very important organs in our digestive system.

We only have one Celiac Trunk artery in our body. But it does a huge job. It is the one that provides the energy needed for our organs that work hard to absorb nutrients from the food we eat.

What are the main organs that receive blood from this?

The main function of the Celiac Trunk is to supply oxygen-rich blood to the major organs involved in our digestive system. If there is any blockage or problem in this artery, it can directly affect the organs below it.

Where is the Celiac Trunk located in the body?

This is right below where our chest bones end, but close to the spine. If you want to imagine where this is, do this. Place your finger where the large bone in the middle of your chest (sternum) ends. From there, go across your abdomen to the side, and then back. Stop at the spine just above the lumbar spine. On the other side of that spine is the Celiac Trunk.

The three main branches of the Celiac Trunk

This main blood vessel gives off three smaller branches, each of which supplies blood to several specific organs.

1. Splenic artery: This supplies blood to the spleen. In addition, other branches branch off from it and supply blood to the stomach and pancreas.

2. Left gastric artery: This carries blood to the parts of the stomach and esophagus.

3. Common hepatic artery: Branches from this artery supply blood to the liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, and duodenum.

But not everyone has the same body. Some people may have slight variations in the way these branches divide. For example, some people's left gastric artery may start directly from the aorta. And instead of the usual three, there may be four, five, or six branches. Such variations are common among some ethnic groups. This is not a disease, but just a natural variation in the body.

What does this look like and how big is it?

The celiac trunk is a small tube-like part of the small intestine, about 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.59 to 0.78 inches) long. In simple terms, it is smaller than a postage stamp. It also has a diameter of between 6 and 12 millimeters. That's about the size of a pea.

Like other arteries, its wall is made up of three layers. These layers contain muscle, connective tissue, and elastic fibers. Arteries must have this elasticity to withstand the pressure of the rapidly pumping blood from the heart.

Common conditions affecting the Celiac Trunk

This small but very important blood vessel can be affected by various medical conditions. In such cases, the functioning of the organs that receive blood from it can be disrupted.

What are the common symptoms of these diseases?

If there is a problem with the Celiac Trunk, you may experience symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting . Since these symptoms are common to many other conditions, if you continue to have these symptoms, it is best to see your doctor to find out the cause.

How do I check its health status?

If a doctor suspects a problem with this artery based on your symptoms, they may refer you for various tests to confirm it.

• Doppler ultrasound: This uses sound waves to examine the flow of blood inside blood vessels.
• CT angiogram: This is a special scan using X-ray technology. It can produce detailed three-dimensional images of the blood vessels.
• MRA (magnetic resonance angiogram): This is a method of obtaining images of blood vessels using MRI scanning technology.
• Angiogram: In this, a special liquid (dye) is injected into the blood vessels under X-ray to observe blood flow.

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment options vary depending on the condition. Your doctor will determine the treatment that is best for you.

• Medications: Medications such as antihypertensives and anticoagulants may be prescribed.
• Angioplasty: Reopening a blocked or narrowed artery with a balloon-like device.
• Stent: A small, mesh-like tube is placed inside an opened artery to prevent it from closing again.
• Bypass surgery: Creating a new route for blood to flow around the blocked area.
• Other surgeries: Conditions like MALS, Aneurysm, or Dissection may require surgery to correct them.

How do you keep this blood vessel healthy?

There really isn't anything special you can do for Celiac Trunk. The same things you do to keep your heart and overall circulatory system healthy are good for it. Simply put, the most important thing is to follow a healthy lifestyle.

• Exercise for at least 150 minutes a week. Anything like brisk walking, running, or cycling is good.
• Eat a nutritious diet that is low in salt and oil. Include more vegetables, fruits, and greens in your diet.
• Quit tobacco products (such as cigarettes) completely.
• Manage stress. Things like meditation, yoga, and engaging in a hobby can help.
• Maintain a healthy weight for your height.
• If you are an adult, get 7-9 hours of good sleep every day.
• If you have medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions and control them well.

Celiac Trunk, Arteries, Blood Vessels, Abdominal Pain, Digestion, Liver, Stomach, Body Structure