The celiac trunk (artery) is the first major branch of the abdominal aorta, as shown in the photo below. The celiac artery then branches into the gastric artery, which goes to the stomach, the hepatic artery that goes to the liver, and the splenic artery that goes to the spleen. Carefully teasing away connective tissue around the abdominal aorta will reveal the location of the celiac artery. Just below it is the superior mesenteric artery which supplies blood to the intestine. If you trace the abdominal aorta further, you will encounter the renal artery, which supplies blood to the kidneys and the inferior mesenteric artery which supplies blood to the large intestine.
Locating these arteries in a cat specimen can take patience and a careful hand to avoid severing the vessels. In the photo below, the inferior mesenteric artery has been broken.
