The dorsal pancreatic artery is a branch of the splenic artery. It anastomoses with the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery and continues as the inferior pancreatic artery on its lower border.
The dorsal pancreatic artery is a short artery that issues numerous branches. Its course and length depends upon its (variable) origin.
The dorsal pancreatic artery usually arises from the proximal of the splenic artery. It may also arise from the common hepatic artery, superior mesenteric artery, or coeliac trunck.
It consistently terminates near the inferior border of the pancreas, near to the origin of the portal vein.