At what vertebral level does the celiac trunk originate?

At what vertebral level does the celiac trunk originate?

• A. T12
• B. L1
• C. L2
• D. L3

Answer: (A)

The celiac trunk arises from the abdominal aorta just below the diaphragm, at about the vertebral level T12. This location makes sense because the aorta passes through the diaphragmatic opening (aortic hiatus) at T12, and the celiac trunk branches off the anterior surface of the aorta there to supply foregut structures. It typically gives rise to the left gastric, splenic, and common hepatic arteries. The superior mesenteric artery, by contrast, originates a bit lower, around L1.

The celiac trunk arises from the abdominal aorta just below the diaphragm, at about the vertebral level T12. This location makes sense because the aorta passes through the diaphragmatic opening (aortic hiatus) at T12, and the celiac trunk branches off the anterior surface of the aorta there to supply foregut structures. It typically gives rise to the left gastric, splenic, and common hepatic arteries. The superior mesenteric artery, by contrast, originates a bit lower, around L1.