Quick Facts
Origin: Descending thoracic aorta.
Course: Superior surface of the respiratory diaphragm.
Branches: None.
Supplied Structures: Respiratory diaphragm.
Origin
The superior phrenic artery arises from the distal part of the descending thoracic aorta. Sometimes, the superior phrenic artery may arise from the tenth posterior intercostal artery (Loukas et al., 2007).
Course
From its origin, the superior phrenic artery traverses the superior surface of the respiratory diaphragm.
Branches
None.
Supplied Structures
The superior phrenic artery supplies the vertebral portion of the respiratory diaphragm. It also forms an anastomosis with the musculophrenic and pericardiacophrenic arteries to ensure constant supply to the diaphragm.
References
Loukas, M., Louis, R. G., Wartmann, C. T., Tubbs, R. S., Esmaeili, E., Bagenholm, A. C., Merbs, W., Curry, B. and Jordan, R. (2007) 'Superior phrenic artery: an anatomic study', Surg Radiol Anat, 29(1), pp. 97-102
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Artery
Arteries are vessels transporting blood between heart, tissues, and other organs in order to supply them with nutrition and oxygen.
