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Splenic branches of splenic artery

The splenic artery is one of the three major branches of the celiac trunk. Near the splenic hilum, it divides into 5–6 terminal splenic branches, which enter the spleen through the hilum along with veins, lymphatics, and nerves. These branches supply the parenchyma of the spleen in a segmental distribution without significant collateralization, which makes the spleen vulnerable to segmental infarctions when any branch is occluded.

Each terminal branch is considered an end artery, dividing further into smaller arterioles that supply white pulp (lymphoid tissue) and red pulp (venous sinusoids). In addition to the terminal branches, the splenic artery gives off short gastric arteries to the stomach and the left gastroepiploic artery before its hilum division.

Clinically, the splenic branches are important in splenic trauma, infarction, embolization procedures, partial splenectomy, and splenic artery aneurysms. Their segmental arrangement allows surgeons to perform selective ligation or resection while preserving viable splenic tissue.

Synonyms

  • Terminal branches of splenic artery

  • Intrasplenic branches of splenic artery

Function

  • Supply oxygenated arterial blood to the splenic parenchyma

  • Support both red pulp and white pulp function in immune surveillance and blood filtration

  • Contribute indirectly to the portal circulation via splenic venous return

  • Provide vascular landmarks for partial splenectomy and embolization

Branches

  • Usually 5–6 terminal branches entering the splenic hilum

  • Divide into segmental vessels supplying distinct regions of the spleen

  • Smaller arterioles penetrate trabeculae and pulp tissue

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Splenic branches appear as flow voids (black tubular structures) within the hilum and along splenic trabeculae

  • Best appreciated against hyperintense splenic fat at the hilum

T2-weighted images:

  • Appear as linear signal voids; thrombus or occlusion appears as intermediate or high signal intensity

  • Helpful in evaluating splenic infarcts or vascular lesions

STIR:

  • Suppresses fat, improving visibility of intrasplenic arterial structures

  • Inflammation or perivascular edema appears hyperintense

T1 Post-Gadolinium (Gd-enhanced MRI):

  • Splenic branches enhance brightly and homogeneously

  • Demonstrates branching pattern, perfusion territories, and arterial supply to focal lesions

  • Useful in vascular mapping, trauma, and tumor assessment

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography):

  • Contrast-enhanced MRA provides 3D depiction of splenic artery branching pattern and terminal distribution

  • Helpful in preoperative planning, embolization, and splenic artery aneurysm assessment

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Splenic branches difficult to visualize; spleen appears homogeneous unless infarcts or hemorrhage present

CT Post-Contrast (CT Angiography):

  • Splenic artery branches enhance clearly as they enter the hilum

  • Multiplanar and 3D reconstructions show branching pattern and segmental distribution

  • Critical in identifying arterial injury in trauma, infarcts, aneurysms, or anomalous branching

  • Enables selective catheter-based approaches for splenic embolization

CT images

Splenic branches of splenic artery anatomy CT axial image -img-00000-00000

CT images

Splenic branches of splenic artery anatomy CT axial image -img-00000-00000_00001

CT images

Splenic branches of splenic artery anatomy CT axial image -img-00000-00000_00002

MRI image

Splenic branches of splenic artery anatomy MRI axial image -img-00000-00000