oesophageal arteries (aorta, anatomy)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The descending aorta gives off several fine arteries to the oesophagus inferior to the level of the tracheal bifurcation. These tend to arise directly. A few vessels may arise indirectly via the proximal section of a posterior intercostal artery.

The branches run inferiorly and either medially at the superior end of the aorta, or anteriorly at the inferior end of the aorta, to form a plexus on the surface of the oesophagus.