Which branch of the common hepatic artery is responsible for draining into the right gastric artery?

The correct answer is the branch of the common hepatic artery that gives rise to the right gastric artery, which is the gastroduodenal artery. The gastroduodenal artery supplies blood to various structures in the upper abdomen, including the duodenum and parts of the stomach.

The right gastric artery specifically arises from the gastroduodenal artery and runs along the lesser curvature of the stomach to supply blood to the right side of the stomach.

Understanding the blood supply to the stomach is essential in anatomy, as this vascular structure plays a critical role in ensuring adequate perfusion to the digestive organs. Other arteries mentioned in this context, such as the splenic artery and left gastric artery, primarily serve different regions or have different supply functions. The splenic artery, for instance, primarily supplies the spleen, while the left gastric artery arises directly from the celiac trunk to supply the left side of the stomach.