It also indirectly supplies the pancreatic head (via the anterior and posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries).

Typically, the posterior and anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries branch independently in that order, but can rarely come off a common trunk.

It also indirectly supplies the pancreatic head (via the anterior and posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries).

The gastroduodenal artery can be the source of a significant gastrointestinal bleed, which may arise as a complication of peptic ulcer disease.

[1] It occurs because the profuse arterial network in the region ensures a high flow rate in the vessel.