Final answer:
The celiac axis is comprised of the left gastric artery, the splenic artery, and the common hepatic artery. It is a major branch of the abdominal aorta responsible for supplying blood to the liver, stomach, spleen, and other upper abdominal organs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three vessels that form the celiac axis are the left gastric artery, the splenic artery, and the common hepatic artery. The celiac axis, also known as the celiac trunk, is a major branch of the abdominal aorta that supplies blood to the upper abdominal organs. It is positioned in the upper abdomen, arising from the abdominal aorta just below the diaphragm.
The common hepatic artery further divides to form the hepatic artery proper (supply blood to the liver), the right gastric artery (supply blood to the stomach), and the cystic artery (supply blood to the gall bladder). This vascular structure is crucial for delivering oxygenated blood to the liver, stomach, and other abdominal organs. It is often described in medical literature as a trunk because it gives rise to several smaller arteries that service the anterior parts of the alimentary canal, specifically the liver, stomach, and duodenum.