Ascending Aorta Branches (artery – branch – region supplied)
- Coronary – ascending aorta – myocardium
- Brachiocephalic – aortic arch – right arm and head
- Right common carotid – brachiocephalic – right side of head
- Right subclavian – brachiocephalic – right shoulder and arm
- Left common carotid – aortic arch – left side of head
- Left subclavian – aortic arch – left shoulder and arm
- External carotid – common carotid artery – superficial head
- Superficial temporal – external carotid artery – scalp
- Internal carotid – common carotid artery – Circle of Willis in the brain
- Ophthalamic – internal carotid artery – eye
- Vertebral – subclavian artery – cervical vertebrae and Circle of Willis
- Axillary – subclavian – armpit
- Brachial – axillary artery – upper arm
- Radial – brachial artery – forearm
- Ulnar – brachial artery – forearm
- Volar arch – radial and ulnar arteries – hand
Thoracic Aorta Branches (artery – region supplied)
- Intercostal (nine pairs) – skin, muscles, bones of trunk
- Superior phrenic – diaphragm
- Pericardial – pericardium
- Esophageal – esophagus
- Bronchial – bronchioles and connective tissue of the lungs
Abdominal Aorta Branches (artery – region supplied)
- Inferior phrenic – diaphragm
- Lumbar – lumbar area of the back
- Middle sacral – sacrum, coccyx, and buttocks
- Celiac
- hepatic – liver
- left gastric – stomach
- splenic – pancreas and spleen
- Superior mesenteric – small intestine and part of the colon
- Suprarenal – adrenal glands
- Renal – kidneys
- Inferior mesenteric – most of the colon and rectum
- Testicular or ovarian – testes or ovaries
- Common iliac arteries are two large vessels that receive blood from the abdominal aorta. Each branch includes and supplies the following:
- Internal iliac – bladder, rectum, reproductive organs
- External iliac – lower pelvis to leg
- Femoral – thigh
- Popliteal – back of knee
- Anterior tibial – front of lower leg
- Dorsalis pedis – top of ankle and foot
- Plantar arches – foot
- Posterior tibial – back of lower leg
- Peroneal – medial lower leg
- Plantar arches – foot
Updated October 2012
