What is the abdominal aorta and where does it start and end?

The abdominal aorta is the continuation of the thoracic aorta. It begins at the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm (T12 vertebra) and ends at the L4 vertebra, where it bifurcates into the right and left common iliac arteries.

What are the main branches of the abdominal aorta?

The abdominal aorta has several key branches, including unpaired ventral branches to the gut (coeliac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery), paired lateral branches to glands (renal arteries, gonadal arteries, middle suprarenal arteries), paired parietal branches (inferior phrenic arteries, lumbar arteries), and terminal branches (common iliac arteries at L4).

What structures are related to the abdominal aorta anteriorly?

Anteriorly, the abdominal aorta is related to structures such as the pancreas, left renal vein, third part of the duodenum, root of the mesentery, and small intestinal coils.

What is the clinical significance of the abdominal aorta?

Clinically, the abdominal aorta is important because it can be palpated in slim individuals and is prone to conditions like aortic aneurysm, which commonly occurs below the renal arteries due to atherosclerosis and presents as a pulsatile mass above the umbilicus.

How does the abdominal aorta relate to the inferior vena cava?

The abdominal aorta is positioned to the left of the midline, with the inferior vena cava located to its right side along its course.

What are the terminal branches of the abdominal aorta?

The abdominal aorta terminates at the level of L4 vertebra by bifurcating into the right and left common iliac arteries, which further divide into external and internal iliac arteries.

What is the coeliac trunk and what does it supply?

The coeliac trunk is a short, wide artery arising at T12–L1. It divides into the left gastric artery, common hepatic artery, and splenic artery, supplying structures like the stomach, liver, spleen, and pancreas.

Abdominal Aorta – Course, Branches & Levels

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