Which artery arises from the celiac axis?

The splenic artery is a branch of the celiac trunk (also known as the celiac axis), which arises from the abdominal aorta. The celiac trunk is the first major branch of the abdominal aorta and typically divides into three major arteries: the left gastric artery, the common hepatic artery, and the splenic artery. The splenic artery specifically supplies blood to the spleen, as well as parts of the pancreas and stomach.

The other options listed do not originate from the celiac trunk. The inferior mesenteric artery arises from the abdominal aorta at a lower level than the celiac trunk and supplies blood to the distal colon and rectum. The hepatic artery, while a major vessel supplying the liver, originates from the common hepatic artery, which itself branches off the celiac trunk. The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery primarily arises from the gastroduodenal artery, which branches from the common hepatic artery. Thus, the splenic artery is the correct choice, as it directly arises from the celiac axis.