Corpus: Inferior phrenic artery

The inferior phrenic arteries are a pair of small arteries that branch off from the abdominal aorta or the celiac trunk, and they supply blood to the diaphragm.

The origin of the inferior phrenic arteries is variable. They can arise as separate branches from the aorta above the celiac trunk, or as a common trunk from the aorta or the celiac trunk. In some cases, the inferior phrenic arteries branch off the aorta on the one side and from the renal arteries on the other. After branching, the arteries follow different paths over the two crura of the diaphragm. The left inferior phrenic artery crosses the esophagus from behind, providing branches to it, and continues to the left of the esophageal hiatus. The right inferior phrenic artery travels behind the inferior vena cava, giving off branches to it, and continues along the right side of the caval opening.

Near the dorsal portion of the diaphragm's tendinous center, both arteries divide into medial and lateral branches. The medial branch curves forward, anastomosing with the corresponding artery from the opposite side and with the musculophrenic and pericardiacophrenic arteries. The lateral branch follows the lateral thoracic wall, where it anastomoses with the lower intercostal arteries and the musculophrenic artery.

• Superior suprarenal artery

The nerve fibers of the phrenic plexus run alongside the inferior phrenic arteries.

The inferior phrenic arteries provide arterial blood supply to the diaphragm.