Inferior phrenic arteries 4484527 152782024 2007-08-21T21:56:11Z Arcadian 104523 infobox {{Infobox Artery | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Latin = arteria phrenica inferior | GraySubject = 154 | GrayPage = 612 | Image = Gray531.png | Caption = The [[abdominal aorta]] and its branches. (Inferior phrenic arteries labeled at upper right.) | Image2 = Gray1121.png | Caption2 = Posterior abdominal wall, after removal of the peritoneum, showing kidneys, suprarenal capsules, and great vessels. | BranchFrom = [[abdominal aorta]] | BranchTo = [[superior suprarenal artery]] | Vein = [[inferior phrenic vein]] | Supplies = [[thoracic diaphragm]] | MeshName = | MeshNumber = | DorlandsPre = a_61 | DorlandsSuf = 12155488 | }} The '''inferior phrenic arteries''' are two small vessels, which supply the [[diaphragm (anatomy)|diaphragm]] but present much variety in their origin. They may arise separately from the front of the [[aorta]], immediately above the [[celiac artery]], or by a common trunk, which may spring either from the aorta or from the celiac artery. Sometimes one is derived from the aorta, and the other from one of the [[renal arteries]]; they rarely arise as separate vessels from the aorta. They diverge from one another across the [[crura of the diaphragm]], and then run obliquely upward and lateralward upon its under surface. * The ''left phrenic'' passes behind the [[esophagus]], and runs forward on the left side of the [[esophageal hiatus]]. * The ''right phrenic'' passes behind the [[inferior vena cava]], and along the right side of the [[Caval opening|foramen which transmits that vein]]. Near the back part of the [[central tendon]] each vessel divides into a medial and a lateral branch. * The ''medial branch'' curves forward, and anastomoses with its fellow of the opposite side, and with the [[musculophrenic]] and [[pericardiacophrenic]] arteries. * The ''lateral branch'' passes toward the side of the thorax, and anastomoses with the [[lower intercostal]] arteries, and with the [[musculophrenic]]. The lateral branch of the right phrenic gives off a few vessels to the [[inferior vena cava]]; and the left one, some branches to the [[esophagus]]. Each vessel gives off [[superior suprarenal branches]] to the [[suprarenal gland]] of its own side. The [[spleen]] and the [[liver]] also receive a few twigs from the left and right vessels respectively. ==External links== * {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|40|11|02|00}} - "Posterior Abdominal Wall: Branches of the Abdominal Aorta" * {{ViennaCrossSection|pembody/body8a}} (#23) {{Gray's}} {{circulatory-stub}} {{Arteries of thorax and abdomen}}