Inferior phrenic arteries !

The inferior phrenic arteries are the first paired branches of the abdominal aorta; they feed the underside of the diaphragm and part of the adrenal glands.

Official name: Inferior phrenic artery

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What it is

The first branches of the abdominal aorta, to the underside of the diaphragm.

What it does

Supply the diaphragm and give small branches to the adrenal glands.

Key facts

Origin: Aorta at T12, just above celiac trunk (varies: from celiac trunk)
Branches: Superior suprarenal arteries; diaphragmatic branches; small branches to esophagus (left) and IVC (right)
Supplies: Inferior surface of diaphragm and adrenal glands

Relations

Course: From the aorta at the aortic hiatus (or from the celiac trunk), each passes up and laterally over the crus of the diaphragm and branches on the underside of the diaphragm
Behind: Crura of the diaphragm
In front: Right: the inferior vena cava; left: the abdominal esophagus
Lateral: Adrenal glands, which receive the superior suprarenal arteries
Above: Underside of the diaphragm

How to find it

Seen on the underside of the diaphragm once the liver or stomach is drawn down: each climbs outward across a crus from near the celiac trunk; the right one passes behind the inferior vena cava and the left one behind the esophagus. On angiography it is catheterised from the aorta or the celiac trunk.

On imaging

Seen on CT angiography and selective angiography. In chemoembolization of a liver tumour, a tumour blush that persists after the hepatic arteries are treated points to a feeder from the right inferior phrenic artery.

Common problems

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): a silent widening, more common in older men who smoke; rupture is life-threatening.

How it is diagnosed

Ultrasound screening; CT.

Treatment

Monitoring of small aneurysms; repair with a stent-graft through the groin arteries or open surgery for large ones.

Clinical notes

When the hepatic artery is blocked, its branches can enlarge and feed the surface of the liver
On the left its esophageal branches share in the supply of the gastroesophageal junction with the left gastric artery
Its superior suprarenal branches are divided along the upper edge of the adrenal gland during adrenalectomy

Anatomical variants

Origin varies: aorta, celiac trunk, a common trunk for both sides, or less often the renal or left gastric artery

Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

Where do the inferior phrenic arteries arise?

They are the first paired branches of the abdominal aorta, at T12 just above the celiac trunk (sometimes from the celiac trunk itself).

Which branches do the inferior phrenic arteries give?

Superior suprarenal arteries, diaphragmatic branches, and small branches to the esophagus (left) and the inferior vena cava (right).

Why does the right inferior phrenic artery matter in liver cancer?

It is the most common feeder of liver cancer from outside the hepatic arteries, especially near the bare area and dome; a blush persisting after chemoembolization points to it.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Its names

Official Latin (TA2): arteria phrenica inferior TA2 4206
Official Spanish (DeCS): Arterias frénicas inferiores
English (TA2): Inferior phrenic artery
Also called: arteria phrenica abdominalis

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Adrenal Glands (Suprarenal Glands); Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Arteries; Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): The Abdominal Aorta (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain.

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

Inferior phrenic arteries highlighted on the Durgical 3D model