It's Topic Tuesday! (on a Friday)

molly56764
May 30
2 min read

It’s Friday!

Hi everyone! Today, let’s take a closer look at one of the body’s most important “pipelines”: the abdominal aorta. This incredible artery plays a key role in delivering blood where it’s needed—and understanding its anatomy helps us appreciate how the body stays alive and running.

What Is the Abdominal Aorta?

The abdominal aorta is the continuation of the thoracic aorta (the part that runs through your chest). Once the aorta passes through the diaphragm (the muscle that helps you breathe), it enters the abdomen, where it becomes the abdominal aorta.

It runs down the center of your belly, just in front of your spine, and is about the width of a garden hose.

Where Does It Go?

The abdominal aorta begins around the level of the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12) and ends at about L4 (the fourth lumbar vertebra), where it splits into two branches—the common iliac arteries—which supply blood to your legs and pelvis.

What Does It Supply?

Along its path, the abdominal aorta gives off several important branches:

🩸 Celiac trunk – Feeds the stomach, liver, spleen, and part of the pancreas

🩸 Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) – Supplies most of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine

🩸 Renal arteries – Head off to the kidneys

🩸 Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) – Feeds the last part of the large intestine

🩸 Gonadal arteries – Supply the testes or ovaries

🩸 Lumbar arteries – Serve the muscles and skin of the back

Why Is It Important?

This artery is the main highway for oxygen-rich blood traveling to all the vital organs in your abdomen and the lower half of your body. If there’s a problem—like narrowing, blockage, or an aneurysm—it can lead to serious complications.