Oesophagus - blood supply Flashcards
(12 cards)
Which artery supplies the upper part of the oesophagus (in the neck)?
The inferior thyroid artery, which comes from the thyrocervical trunk.
Which arteries supply the middle part of the oesophagus (in the chest)?
The oesophageal branches from the thoracic aorta and bronchial arteries.
Which arteries supply the lower part of the oesophagus (near the stomach)?
The left gastric artery (from the celiac trunk) and the inferior phrenic arteries.
Why is oesophageal blood supply divided into upper, middle, and lower zones?
Because each segment lies in a different anatomical region (neck, thorax, abdomen) and receives blood from local arterial branches.
Which major trunk gives rise to the left gastric artery?
The celiac trunk, which supplies the foregut structures, including the lower oesophagus.
What is the role of the inferior phrenic arteries in oesophageal blood supply?
They help supply the lower oesophagus and the diaphragm area, providing extra vascular support near the stomach.
From which artery does the bronchial artery (supplying oesophagus) originate?
The bronchial arteries usually branch from the thoracic aorta (sometimes from an intercostal artery).
Do the oesophageal arteries supply only the oesophagus?
No — some branches also help supply nearby structures like the trachea and pericardium.
What is the direction of blood flow in oesophageal arterial anastomoses?
Blood can flow longitudinally along the oesophagus, allowing collateral circulation between upper, middle, and lower arterial sources.
Which arteries provide collateral blood flow to the oesophagus in case of blockage?
The anastomoses between the inferior thyroid, bronchial, aortic, left gastric, and inferior phrenic arteries provide collateral flow if one source is blocked.
Do the oesophageal arteries enter the oesophagus wall directly?
Yes — they pierce the adventitia and form a submucosal vascular plexus inside the wall to supply the mucosa and muscular layers.
How is the blood supply organized inside the oesophageal wall?
Once arteries enter, they form a network in the submucosa, sending small branches to mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia.
