One of the blood vessels that branch from the forward surface of the abdominal aorta to supply the abdominal part of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder: The celiac artery supplies the front part of the intestine, the superior mesenteric artery supplies the middle intestine, and the inferior or lower mesenteric artery supplies the back section of the intestine, and altogether are termed the abdominal arteries.