Aorta and Inferior Vena Cava

INTRODUCTION

Aorta enters the abdomen through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm, immediately anterior to T-12 vertebra.

Descends anterior to and slightly to the left of vertebral bodies.

Main branches seen on USG.

Celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery (SMA), paired renal arteries, and common iliac arteries (Figure 9.1).

Branches of aorta

1.    Inferior phrenic artery

2.    Celiac artery

3.    Suprarenal artery

4.    Superior mesenteric artery

5.    Renal artery

6.    Gonadal artery

7.    Inferior mesenteric artery

8.    Median sacral artery

9.    Common iliac artery

Celiac artery demonstrates seagull sign and divides into (Figure 9.2)

1.    Left gastric artery: Supplies curvature of stomach

2.    Splenic artery: Supplies greater curvature, spleen, and pancreas

3.    Common hepatic artery: Divides into gastric artery, hepatic artery and gastroduodenal artery

Superior mesenteric artery supplies most of the small intestine, ascending colon, and part of the transverse colon.

Inferior mesenteric artery supplies part of transverse colon, descending colon, and rectum.

Indications of USG

1.    Pulsatile abdominal mass

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