Dorsal pancreatic artery

The dorsal pancreatic artery is a branch of the splenic artery. It anastomoses with the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery and continues as the inferior pancreatic artery on its lower border.

Anatomy
The dorsal pancreatic artery is a short artery that issues numerous branches. Its course and length depends upon its (variable) origin.

Origin
The dorsal pancreatic artery usually arises from (the proximal 2cm of) the splenic artery. It may also arise from the common hepatic artery, superior mesenteric artery, or coeliac trunck.

Fate
It consistently terminates near the inferior border of the pancreas, near to the origin of the portal vein.