Abdominal aorta Flashcards
what is the abdominal aorta a continuation of?
the thoracic aorta
where does the abdominal aorta begin at? (which level)
T12
approx how long is the abdo aorta and which level does it end?
It is approximately 13cm long and ends at the level of the L4 vertebra
what happens at level L4?
the aorta terminates by bifurcating into the right and left common iliac arteries that supply the lower body
what are the branches of the abdominal aorta? (in descending order)
inferior phrenic arteries coeliac artery superior mesenteric artery middle suprarenal arteries renal arteries gonadal arteries inferior mesenteric artery median sacral artery lumbar arteries
describe the inferior phrenic arteries and where do they arise and what do they supply?
Paired parietal arteries arising posteriorly at the level of T12. They supply the diaphragm
describe the coeliac artery, where does it arise? what is it also known as?
A large, unpaired visceral artery arising anteriorly at the level of L1. It is also known as the celiac trunk
what does the coeliac artery supply?
supplies the liver, stomach, abdominal oesophagus, spleen, the superior duodenum and the superior pancreas
describe the superior mesenteric artery - where does it arise?
A large, unpaired visceral artery arising anteriorly, just below the celiac artery
what does the superior mesenteric artery supply?
supplies the distal duodenum, jejuno-ileum, ascending colon and part of the transverse colon. It arises at the lower level of L1
describe the middle suprarenal arteries
Small paired visceral arteries
where do the middle suprarenal arteries arise?
either side posteriorly at the level L1
what do the middle suprarenal arteries supply?
adrenal glands
what are the renal arteries?
Paired visceral arteries
where do the renal arteries arise?
laterally at level between L1 & L2
what do the renal arteries supply?
the kidneys
what are the gonadal arteries?
Paired visceral arteries
where do the gonadal arteries arise?
laterally at level L2
what is the male and female gonadal artery referred to as?
males: testicular artery
females: ovarian artery
what is the inferior mesenteric artery?
A large, unpaired visceral artery
where does the inferior mesenteric artery arise?
anterior at level L3
what does the inferior mesenteric artery supply?
large intestine from the splenic flexure to the upper part of the rectum
what is the median sacral artery?
An unpaired parietal artery
where does the median sacral artery arise?
posteriorly at the level of L4
what does the median sacral artery supply?
coccyx, lumbar vertebrae, sacrum
how many pairs of lumbar arteries are there?
There are four pairs of parietal lumbar arteries
where do the lumbar arteries arise?
posterolaterally between the levels of L1 and L4
what do the lumbar arteries supply?
abdominal wall and spinal cord
what does aortic aneurysm describe?
a dilation of the artery to more than 1.5 times its original size
which component of the aorta is the most common site for aneurysmal changes?
abdominal component
what do patients suffering with an abdominal aortic aneurysm experience?
abdominal pulsations, abdominal pain and back pain
what can the aneurysm also cause in the lower limbs? why?
The aneurysm may also compress nerve roots causing pain/numbness in the lower limbs
what does a patient with an aortic arch aneurysm may also have? why?
may have a hoarse voice due to the dilation stretching the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Patients may also not have any symptoms at all
how is diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm made?
Diagnosis is made from an ultrasound
how can the weakened vessel be replaced?
surgically with a piece of synthetic tubing
what happens if a large aneurysm is left untreated?
can rupture - often fatal medical emergency
