[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Abdomen](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/abdomen/) › Inferior phrenic arteries [Cardiovascular system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/cardiovascular-system/) · [Abdomen](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/abdomen/) # 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 [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=abdomen&select=inferior_phrenic_arteries&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## 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 points - First paired branches of the [abdominal aorta](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/abdominal-aorta/); each runs up and out over a crus to the underside of the diaphragm - Each gives the superior suprarenal arteries to the adrenal gland on its side - The right inferior phrenic artery is the most common feeder of [liver](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/liver/) cancer from outside the hepatic arteries, especially for tumours near the bare area and dome ## 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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/celiac-trunk/)), each passes up and laterally over the crus of the [diaphragm](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/diaphragm/) and branches on the underside of the diaphragm **Behind** Crura of the diaphragm **In front** Right: the [inferior vena cava](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/inferior-vena-cava/); left: the abdominal [esophagus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/esophagus-abdominal-part/) **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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/inferior-phrenic-artery/) 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 ## Related - [Diaphragm](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/diaphragm/) - [Right adrenal gland](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/suprarenal-gland-abdomen/) - [Left adrenal gland](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/suprarenal-gland/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Adrenal Glands (Suprarenal Glands)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482264/); [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Arteries](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525959/); Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): The Abdominal Aorta (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain. ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/inferior-phrenic-artery/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/inferior-phrenic-artery/