In: Anatomy and Physiology
Which artery gives rise to arterial branches that supply most of the abdominopelvic organs?
Question: Which artery gives rise to arterial branches that supply most of the abdominopelvic organs?
Answer: The abdominal aorta
The largest artery in the body is the aorta. The descending aorta is a continuation of the aortic arch, and it gets divided into a superior thoracic aorta and an inferior abdominal aorta by its position with respect to the anatomical position of the diaphragm (i.e, the thoracic aorta is located superior to the diaphragm, the abdominal aorta is located inferior to the diaphragm). The abdominal aorta forms the largest artery in the abdominal region, and it delivers blood to all organs and structures of the abdominopelvic region.
The abdominal aorta branches into 3 unpaired arteries and 5 paired arteries.
1. The celiac trunk - Delivers blood to the liver, stomach, and spleen.
2. The superior mesenteric artery - Delivers blood to the pancreas, duodenum, small intestine, and most of the large intestine
3. The inferior mesenteric artery - Delivers blood to end potion of the colon and rectum.
4. The phrenic arteries - To the inferior diaphragm and esophagus.
5. The renal arteries - To the kidneys.
6. The Suprarenal arteries - To the adrenal glands.
7. The Gonadal arteries - To the reproductive system organs.
8. The lumbar arteries - To the abdominal wall, vertebrae, and spinal cord.