Normal Anatomy

Coeliac axis

arises from the anterior aspect of the aorta at a level between T12 and L1. Its initial course is usually caudad although it may pass directly horizontally or superiorly. It lies above the pancreas and splenic vein and below the left lobe of liver. On its left is the cardia of the stomach and in front is the lesser omentum. Conventionally divides after 1-2 cm into the left gastric artery (usually the first branch), splenic and common hepatic artery and this pattern is seen in 65-75% of individuals. In the remainder, one or more of these vessels has a variant origin. See abdominal cavity (II), Fig. 10, aorta, abdominal (II), Fig. 1, blood vessels, small intestine (II), Fig. 3

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