Which artery may be visualized at the anterior lateral margin of the pancreatic head?

The gastro-duodenal artery is often visualized at the anterior lateral margin of the pancreatic head due to its anatomical location and associations. This artery branches off the common hepatic artery and supplies blood to structures that include the duodenum and parts of the pancreas.

In the context of the pancreas, the gastro-duodenal artery runs posterior to the first part of the duodenum and can often be seen coursing along the anterior surface of the pancreatic head. Its visibility during imaging procedures, such as ultrasound or CT scans, is significant for assessment of the vascular anatomy in this region, making it a key structure to identify during evaluations of pancreatic and peritoneal pathology.

While the splenic artery, the common hepatic artery, and the inferior mesenteric artery each supply important regions, they are not as directly associated with the pancreatic head in terms of anatomical position. The splenic artery, for example, courses along the superior border of the pancreas, whereas the common hepatic artery branches off before reaching the area of the pancreatic head. The inferior mesenteric artery primarily supplies the distal colon and is located further down from the pancreatic head, making it less relevant in this context.