Figure 5b.

In this image, the left gastric vein is seen joining the upper part of the portal vein (PV) and this lymph node (LN) lies very close to the upper part of the lesser curvature. The left gastric artery and vein run together in the hepatogastric ligament and a LN, which lies close to either, can be included in 3a. The LN labeled as 11p lies more close to the splenic artery than to the lesser curvature and hence is not included in station 3a. An LN lying near the PV (12p) is also seen. The LNs of the 3b (not seen in this image) station lie along the right gastric artery in the lower part of the lesser curvature. The origin and course of right gastric artery is difficult to identify on endoscopic ultrasonography. LGV: Left gastric vein, PV: Portal vein