Abdominal aorta Flashcards
what is the abdominal aorta a continuation of?
the thoracic aorta
where does the abdominal aorta begin at? (which level)
T12
approx how long is the abdo aorta and which level does it end?
It is approximately 13cm long and ends at the level of the L4 vertebra
what happens at level L4?
the aorta terminates by bifurcating into the right and left common iliac arteries that supply the lower body
what are the branches of the abdominal aorta? (in descending order)
inferior phrenic arteries coeliac artery superior mesenteric artery middle suprarenal arteries renal arteries gonadal arteries inferior mesenteric artery median sacral artery lumbar arteries
describe the inferior phrenic arteries and where do they arise and what do they supply?
Paired parietal arteries arising posteriorly at the level of T12. They supply the diaphragm
describe the coeliac artery, where does it arise? what is it also known as?
A large, unpaired visceral artery arising anteriorly at the level of L1. It is also known as the celiac trunk
what does the coeliac artery supply?
supplies the liver, stomach, abdominal oesophagus, spleen, the superior duodenum and the superior pancreas
describe the superior mesenteric artery - where does it arise?
A large, unpaired visceral artery arising anteriorly, just below the celiac artery
what does the superior mesenteric artery supply?
supplies the distal duodenum, jejuno-ileum, ascending colon and part of the transverse colon. It arises at the lower level of L1
describe the middle suprarenal arteries
Small paired visceral arteries
where do the middle suprarenal arteries arise?
either side posteriorly at the level L1
what do the middle suprarenal arteries supply?
adrenal glands
what are the renal arteries?
Paired visceral arteries
where do the renal arteries arise?
laterally at level between L1 & L2
