Which of the following applies to the function of the splenic artery?

The splenic artery is primarily responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the spleen, but it also branches off to provide blood to areas associated with the spleen, including the pancreas. The splenic artery gives rise to the pancreatic branches, which supply blood to the body and tail of the pancreas. This vascularization is crucial for the pancreas as it supports its metabolic functions, including insulin production and digestive enzyme secretion.

In contrast to the other options, the splenic artery does not provide blood to the liver, nor does it directly supply the stomach. While it plays a role in the vascular network near the stomach, it is not the primary supplier of blood to that organ. Furthermore, the statement that the splenic artery "contains no branches" is incorrect, as the artery divides into several branches as it navigates through the splenic hilum, which makes option C the most accurate choice regarding the function of the splenic artery in supplying blood to the pancreas.