GASTROEPIPLOIC ARTERY Meaning and
Definition
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The Gastroepiploic Artery is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the stomach and greater omentum, a fatty tissue structure that hangs down from the stomach and covers the intestines. It is also known as the gastroomental artery.
The artery arises from the splenic artery, which is a branch of the celiac trunk, a major blood vessel that originates from the abdominal aorta. From its origin, the gastroepiploic artery courses along the greater curvature of the stomach, running between the layers of the greater omentum.
As it travels along the stomach, the vessel gives off multiple branches that form a rich network of blood vessels, supplying the stomach walls and the omentum with oxygen and nutrients. These branches anastomose, or connect, with other blood vessels in the area, allowing for collateral circulation.
The main function of the gastroepiploic artery is to provide nourishment to the stomach and greater omentum, helping maintain their proper function. Its blood supply is crucial for the health and viability of these structures, as any interruption in its flow can lead to ischemia, tissue damage, or even necrosis.
Clinical relevance of the gastroepiploic artery includes its use in surgical procedures. In certain cases, the artery can be harvested for use as a graft in coronary artery bypass surgery to bypass blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. Its location and size make it a suitable vessel for this purpose.
Common Misspellings for GASTROEPIPLOIC ARTERY
- fastroepiploic artery
- vastroepiploic artery
- bastroepiploic artery
- hastroepiploic artery
- yastroepiploic artery
- tastroepiploic artery
- gzstroepiploic artery
- gsstroepiploic artery
- gwstroepiploic artery
- gqstroepiploic artery
- gaatroepiploic artery
- gaztroepiploic artery
- gaxtroepiploic artery
- gadtroepiploic artery
- gaetroepiploic artery
- gawtroepiploic artery
- gasrroepiploic artery
- gasfroepiploic artery
- gasgroepiploic artery
- gasyroepiploic artery
Etymology of GASTROEPIPLOIC ARTERY
The word "gastroepiploic artery" is derived from two parts: "gastro-" and "epiploic artery".
1. "Gastro-" comes from the Greek word "gaster", meaning "stomach".
2. "Epiploic artery" is composed of two parts: "epi-" and "ploion".
- "Epi-" is a prefix that means "upon" or "above" in Greek.
- "Ploion" comes from the Greek word "ploos", meaning "sail".
Therefore, "epiploic" refers to something that is "upon the sail" or "above the sail".
Overall, the term "gastroepiploic artery" refers to an artery located near or above the stomach.
