Vessel
Abdominal aorta
Main arterial trunk between the diaphragm and iliac bifurcation
High-yield
Use the gut branches as a sequence: celiac, superior mesenteric, then inferior mesenteric. Their usual levels are approximately T12–L1, L1 and L3.
Overview
After passing the diaphragm near T12, the aorta descends in the retroperitoneum slightly left of the vertebral midline. It gives visceral and body-wall branches before dividing into the common iliac arteries, usually near L4.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Continues from the descending thoracic aorta through the aortic hiatus near T12.
- Course
- Runs anterior to the lumbar vertebrae and left of the inferior vena cava in the retroperitoneum.
- Branches
- Gives celiac, superior and inferior mesenteric trunks; renal, gonadal and suprarenal branches; lumbar arteries and median sacral artery. Inferior phrenic origins vary.
- Supplies
- Distributes blood to abdominal organs and walls, with terminal branches continuing to the pelvis and lower limbs.
- Drains to
- This is an artery, not a draining vein; it ends by branching into the common iliac arteries.
Clinical correlation
Abdominal aortic aneurysms most commonly involve the segment below the renal arteries. Vertebral levels are useful anatomical guides, but the umbilicus is an inconsistent surface landmark for the bifurcation.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the abdominal aorta originate?
The abdominal aorta arises from the continues from the descending thoracic aorta through the aortic hiatus near T12.
What does the abdominal aorta supply?
The abdominal aorta supplies the distributes blood to abdominal organs and walls, with terminal branches continuing to the pelvis and lower limbs.
Where does the abdominal aorta drain to?
This is an artery, not a draining vein; it ends by branching into the common iliac arteries.
What are the branches of the abdominal aorta?
Gives celiac, superior and inferior mesenteric trunks; renal, gonadal and suprarenal branches; lumbar arteries and median sacral artery. Inferior phrenic origins vary.