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Superior phrenic artery
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The superior phrenic artery is a small paired artery that arises from the anterior aspect of the lower part of the thoracic aorta, just before it passes through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm. The superior phrenic artery supplies the posterior part of the superior surface of the diaphragm.
This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the superior phrenic artery.
| Origin | Thoracic aorta |
| Supply | Posterior aspect of the superior surface of the diaphragm |
Origin and course
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:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/musculophrenic-artery/DHAuarSLWfHN71flMQ1zog_Musculophrenic_artery___magni.png "Musculophrenic artery (Arteria musculophrenica); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
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After arising on each side of the thoracic aorta, the superior phrenic arteries pass anterolaterally and distribute over the superior (thoracic) surface of the diaphragm. Here, they anastomose with the musculophrenic and pericardiacophrenic arteries, which are branches of the internal thoracic artery.
Together, they supply the posterior aspect of the thoracic surface of the diaphragm. In addition, the superior phrenic artery provides small contributions to supply the pericardium of the heart.
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