Superior pancreaticoduodenal artery

Medically Reviewed by Anatomy Team

Last updated on January 24, 2025

The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery is a branch of the gastroduodenal artery, which arises from the common hepatic artery, a major branch of the celiac trunk. This artery plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the pancreas and duodenum.

Location

The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery is located in the upper abdomen, near the pancreas and duodenum. After originating from the gastroduodenal artery, it divides into anterior and posterior branches. These branches run along the head of the pancreas and the duodenum, traveling within the groove between the two structures. The artery forms important anastomoses with the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, which arises from the superior mesenteric artery, ensuring continuous blood supply to the pancreas and duodenum.

Anatomy

Origin

The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery arises from the gastroduodenal artery, which itself is a branch of the common hepatic artery.^[8] The common hepatic artery is one of the three main branches of the celiac trunk, which originates from the abdominal aorta. After the gastroduodenal artery branches off from the common hepatic artery, it descends posterior to the first part of the duodenum, giving rise to the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery.

Branches

The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery typically divides into two main branches:

Anterior Superior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery: This branch runs along the anterior surface of the head of the pancreas and the adjacent part of the duodenum.
Posterior Superior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery: This branch travels behind the pancreas and duodenum, along the posterior aspect of the pancreas’s head.

Both branches supply these structures and eventually anastomose with branches of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, a branch of the superior mesenteric artery.

Course

After its origin from the gastroduodenal artery, the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery descends and divides into its anterior and posterior branches. The artery runs along the groove between the head of the pancreas and the descending portion of the duodenum, closely following the curve of the duodenum.^[7] The anterior branch courses along the front of the pancreas, while the posterior branch courses behind it, near the retroperitoneal structures.

These branches pass through the connective tissue around the pancreas and duodenum, providing small perforating arteries to these structures as they travel along their course. Both branches of the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery form important connections with the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery at the lower margin of the head of the pancreas.

Anastomoses

The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery forms important anastomoses with the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, which arises from the superior mesenteric artery. This anastomosis occurs between the anterior and posterior branches of both the superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries. This network provides a dual blood supply to the pancreas and duodenum, ensuring that these structures receive continuous blood flow from both the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery.^[6] This vascular connection is especially important for the head of the pancreas and the duodenum.

Relations

Anteriorly: The anterior branch of the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery runs along the anterior surface of the pancreas, adjacent to the duodenum. It lies posterior to the stomach and may be closely related to the transverse colon.
Posteriorly: The posterior branch travels behind the pancreas and duodenum, near the retroperitoneal structures, such as the inferior vena cava and right kidney.
Medially: The artery lies medial to the bile duct, which courses toward the duodenum, and the main pancreatic duct, which runs within the pancreas.
Laterally: The artery follows the curve of the duodenum, which lies laterally to the pancreas. The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery stays closely related to the duodenal loop and the adjacent structures.

Length and Diameter

The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery is relatively short in length compared to other major arteries in the abdominal cavity.^[5] It typically measures only a few centimeters from its origin at the gastroduodenal artery to its anastomosis with the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery. The diameter is also relatively small, reflecting its role in supplying the pancreas and the duodenum.

Termination

The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery terminates by anastomosing with the anterior and posterior branches of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery. This anastomotic network ensures that both the pancreas and the duodenum receive blood from two major arterial systems: the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery.

Anatomical Variations

Anatomical variations in the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery are not uncommon. These variations can include:

Different points of origin: In some individuals, the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery may arise directly from the common hepatic artery or have an aberrant origin.
Variations in branching patterns: The division of the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery into anterior and posterior branches may occur at different levels or follow slightly different courses based on individual anatomical differences.

Function

The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery plays a critical role in supplying oxygenated blood to the pancreas and duodenum. This artery ensures that these vital digestive organs receive the nutrients and oxygen necessary for their functions, including enzyme secretion and digestive processes. Below is a detailed breakdown of its functions.

Blood Supply to the Head of the Pancreas

One of the primary functions of the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery is to supply blood to the head of the pancreas.^[4] The pancreas is responsible for both endocrine and exocrine functions, and the artery’s supply is crucial for:

Exocrine Functions: The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, and proteases, which are essential for breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The oxygen and nutrients provided by the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery ensure that the acinar cells of the pancreas can produce these enzymes efficiently.
Endocrine Functions: The pancreas also produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels. The blood flow from the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery supports the islet cells (islets of Langerhans) in the head of the pancreas, ensuring they receive adequate oxygen to carry out hormone secretion.

Blood Supply to the Duodenum

The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery supplies the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine and plays a key role in the early stages of digestion:

Nutrient Absorption: The duodenum is responsible for the initial absorption of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, from partially digested food. The blood flow from the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery ensures that the cells in the duodenal wall have enough oxygen and nutrients to carry out their absorptive functions.
Digestive Process: The duodenum is where bile from the liver and digestive enzymes from the pancreas mix with chyme (partially digested food) from the stomach. The artery supplies the necessary oxygen to the duodenal cells involved in this mixing and further breakdown of food.
Mucosal Protection: The duodenum is exposed to acidic chyme from the stomach, so the mucosal lining secretes bicarbonate to neutralize the acid. The artery supplies the blood needed to maintain the health and regenerative capacity of the mucosal lining, protecting the duodenum from damage.

Anastomotic Support with the Inferior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery

One of the key functions of the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery is its anastomotic connection with the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, which arises from the superior mesenteric artery. This anastomotic network ensures a continuous and redundant blood supply to both the pancreas and the duodenum, providing several important benefits:

Collateral Circulation: The anastomoses between the superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries provide collateral circulation, meaning that if one artery is blocked or compromised, the other can maintain blood flow to the pancreas and duodenum. This ensures that critical digestive and endocrine functions are not disrupted.
Dual Blood Supply: The pancreas and duodenum receive blood from two major arterial systems—the celiac trunk (via the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery) and the superior mesenteric artery (via the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery). This dual supply ensures that these organs are well-oxygenated and can function effectively, even in cases of vascular disease or trauma.^[3]

Oxygen and Nutrient Delivery

Like all arteries, the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery’s primary role is to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues it supplies. This function is critical for:

Cellular Metabolism: The cells in the pancreas and duodenum require a constant supply of oxygen for cellular respiration, which generates the energy needed to perform their functions. The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery ensures that these cells receive sufficient oxygen to meet their metabolic demands.
Tissue Repair and Regeneration: The pancreas and duodenum are subject to constant wear and tear due to their roles in digestion. The blood supplied by the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery helps support tissue repair and regeneration, ensuring that these organs remain healthy and functional.

Support for Digestive Enzyme and Hormone Secretion

The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery plays an indirect role in digestive enzyme and hormone secretion by supplying blood to the structures responsible for these processes:

Pancreatic Enzymes: The artery supplies the exocrine cells of the pancreas, which produce enzymes that are released into the duodenum to break down food. The oxygen and nutrients delivered by the artery support the production and release of these enzymes, ensuring efficient digestion.^[2]
Bicarbonate Secretion: The duodenum produces bicarbonate to neutralize the acidic chyme from the stomach. The artery ensures that the duodenal glands responsible for bicarbonate secretion receive sufficient blood supply to maintain the proper pH balance in the small intestine.
Hormone Production: The pancreatic islet cells, which produce insulin and glucagon, rely on the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery for their blood supply. The artery supports the endocrine function of the pancreas, helping regulate blood sugar levels.

Clinical Significance

The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery is clinically significant due to its role in supplying blood to the head of the pancreas and the duodenum. Its anastomosis with the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery provides critical collateral circulation, ensuring a continuous blood supply to these organs, which is especially important during vascular surgeries or in conditions like mesenteric ischemia.

In cases of pancreatitis or pancreatic tumors, the artery may become involved, leading to complications like bleeding or reduced blood flow to the pancreas.^[1] Additionally, the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery is closely associated with the duodenum, so any surgery or trauma involving the duodenum, such as duodenal resection or pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure), requires careful management of this artery to avoid complications like ischemia or hemorrhage. Understanding its course and anastomoses is essential for successful surgical outcomes in pancreatic and duodenal surgeries.

References

Michels N. A. (1962). The Blood Supply and Anatomy of the Upper Abdominal Organs (2nd ed.). J. B. Lippincott. ISBN 978-0397503866.
Jamieson J. K., & Dobson J. F. (1907). The Anatomy of the Pancreas: An Anatomical and Pathological Study. William Wood & Co. ISBN 978-1402164570.
Hollinshead W. H. (1956). Anatomy for Surgeons: Volume 2 – The Thorax, Abdomen, and Pelvis (1st ed.). Harper & Row. ISBN 978-0061402444.
Doppman J. L., & Thomas J. R. (1969). The Vascular Anatomy of the Pancreas. Elsevier. ISBN 978-0443024160.
Testut L., & Latarjet A. (1948). Traité d’Anatomie Humaine: Vascularisation du Pancréas (10th ed.). Masson. ISBN 978-2718402578.
Keith L. M., & Persaud T. V. N. (2003). Before We Are Born: Essentials of Embryology and Birth Defects (7th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 978-0323053857.
Standring S. (2005). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (39th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 978-0443071683.
Coffey R. C., & Hendry W. C. (1971). Surgical Anatomy of the Pancreas and Duodenum. Charles C Thomas. ISBN 978-0398022656.