Final answer:
The splenic artery originates from the celiac trunk of the abdominal aorta and supplies blood to the spleen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The splenic artery arises from the celiac trunk of the abdominal aorta and travels laterally towards the left to supply the spleen. The celiac trunk is a major branch of the abdominal aorta which also gives rise to other significant branches: the left gastric artery to supply the stomach and esophagus, and the common hepatic artery, which further divides into the hepatic artery proper, the right gastric artery, and the cystic artery. The abdominal aorta, embedded in adipose tissue and located to the left of the vertebral column, extends down to the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra, where it bifurcates to form the common iliac arteries.