Arteries of the Thorax

Question 1

What three main arteries provides branches to the thoracic region

Answer 1

1. Subclavian artery- internal thoracic artery
2. Thoracic aorta
3. Axillary artery

Question 2

Where does the thoracic Aorta originate and terminate

Answer 2

Originates at the lower border of the T4 and terminates at lower border of T12 ( aortic hiatus in the diaphragm)

Question 3

What are the branches Of the thoracic aorta

Answer 3

1. Bronchial artery
2. Esophageal artery
3. Posterior intercostal artery
4. Superior phrenic artery
5. Pericardial artery
6. Subcostal artery
7. Mediastinal branches

Question 4

What are the branches of the internal thoracic artery

Answer 4

1. Pericardiocophrenic artery
2. Anterior intercostal branches(12, 2 to each the top 6 intercostal spaces)
3. Musculophrenic artery
4. Superior epigastric artery
5. Perforating branches

Question 5

What are the terminal branches of the internal thoracic artery and at what point are they formed

Answer 5

After passing the 6th intercostal space the internal thoracic artery bifurcates into

1. Musculophrenic artery
2. Superior epigastric artery

Question 6

What artery is the Cardiac surgeon’s blood vessel of choice for the coronary artery bypass grafting

Answer 6

Internal thoracic artery

Question 7

What are the parietal branches of the thoracic aorta

Answer 7

1. Posterior intercostal artery
2. Subcostal artery ( inferior to 12th rib)
3. Superior Phrenic artery

Question 8

What are the visceral branches of the thoracic aorta

Answer 8

1. Bronchial artery
2. Esophageal arteries
3. Mediastinal arteries
4. Pericardial artery

Question 9

The internal thoracic artery is also caked

Answer 9

Mammary artery

Question 10

What branches of the axillary artery supplies the thorax

Answer 10

1. Thoracoacromial trunk - pectoral Branch
2. Lateral thoracic artery - supplies branches to the breast in females, pectoral and serrated anterior
3. Subscapular artery- intercostal muscles, scapula, latissimus dorsi etc