Which artery is the primary source of blood flow to the stomach?

The primary source of blood flow to the stomach is the left gastric artery. This artery arises from the celiac trunk, which is a major artery that supplies blood to the abdominal organs. The left gastric artery supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach and contributes to the overall blood supply along with branches from the common hepatic artery and the splenic artery. Notably, the left gastric artery is crucial because it ensures adequate perfusion to the stomach, supporting its functions in digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.

While other arteries like the splenic artery and common hepatic artery do contribute to the stomach's blood supply, they primarily focus on other organs or portions of the stomach. The mesenteric artery is primarily involved in supplying blood to the intestines. Therefore, the left gastric artery stands out as the most direct and significant source of blood flow specifically for the stomach.