Diafragmaarteria

Diafragmaarteria is a term used to denote the arterial supply to the diaphragm. In human anatomy, the diaphragm receives blood from multiple sources that form an interconnected network supplying its muscular portions on both the superior and inferior surfaces. The main contributors are the superior phrenic arteries, the inferior phrenic arteries, and supplementary branches from the internal thoracic arteries, such as the musculophrenic and pericardiophrenic arteries.

The superior phrenic arteries typically arise from the thoracic aorta, and in some individuals from the internal thoracic arteries. They descend along the thoracic surface of the diaphragm and provide branches to the diaphragmatic muscle, the mediastinal pleura, and the pericardium. These vessels often anastomose with the inferior phrenic arteries.

The inferior phrenic arteries usually originate from the abdominal aorta just above the celiac trunk, though they can arise from the celiac trunk or other nearby arteries. They primarily supply the diaphragmatic surface from below and frequently give off suprarenal arteries to the adrenal glands. They also participate in anastomoses with the superior phrenic arteries and with branches from the musculophrenic circulation.

Other contributing vessels include the musculophrenic arteries, branches of the internal thoracic arteries that ascend along the costal margin to reach the diaphragmatic surface, and the pericardiophrenic arteries, which accompany the phrenic nerves and nourish portions of the central diaphragm and adjacent pericardial region.

Variations in origin and distribution are common, but the diaphragmatic arterial supply generally reflects the combined contributions of the superior and inferior phrenic systems with accessory branches enhancing collateral circulation.