Applied anatomy study on lesser curvature arteries of stomach

Objective To observe the arterial supply and the variations of the lesser curvature,so as to provide the morphological basis for the clinical imaging and surgery.Methods A total of 74 cadavers were randomly collected,and the origins,course and branches of lesser curvature arteries were observed and recorded.Results Left gastric artery(LGA) originating from celiac trunk appeared in 72 cases(97.3%) while from left hepatic artery(LHA) appeared in 2 cases(2.7%).Left gastric artery branched vice left hepatic artery appeared in 4 cases(5.4%) and alternative left hepatic artery appeared in 4 cases(5.4%).The special variation about branches of LGA appeared in 4 cases(5.4%):alternative left hepatic artery(RLPA) directly originated from celiac trunk appeared in 2 cases,and then it branched three branches to supply the lower esophagus,cardia of stomach,and the lesser curvature of anterior wall of the stomach.The anterior and posterior gastric branches of LGA directly originated from celiac trunk appeared in one case;besides the regular artery sources there is a large gastric artery originated from celiac trunk supplying the upper right part of the cardia.Right gastric artery(RGA) originated from proper hepatic artery(PHA) appeared in 48 cases(64.8%),from common hepatic artery(CHA)in 10 cases(13.5%),from left hepatic artery(LHA) in 9 cases(12.2%),and from gastroduodenal artery in 7 cases(9.5%).Conclusion The variations of lesser curvature arteries of stomach are complex.So it is important to pay close attention to master the changes.