The abdominal aorta is a continuation of the thoracic aorta inferior to the

diaphragm.
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The abdominal aorta is retroperitoneal and supplies the abdominal
viscera. At the level of vertebra L4 it bifurcates into right and left common
iliac arteries, which supply the lower limbs.
The celiac trunk, SMA (superior mesenteric a.), and IMA (inferior
mesenteric a.) are unpaired branches of the abdominal aorta and supply,
respectively, derivatives of the embryonic foregut, midgut, and hindgut.
These three are considered the three major unpaired arteries of the
abdominal aorta.
Note: Median sacral a.: is also unpaired but descends along the sacrum
into the pelvis to supply the rectum.
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For details on branching and blood supply, review The Celiac Trunk, The
SMA, and The IMA.
Paired branches of the abdominal aorta are:
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Inferior phrenic aa.: Supply the diaphragm, as well as give off branches to
the abdominal portion of the esophagus and superior suprarenal aa. to the
adrenal glands.
Middle suprarenal aa.: Also supply the adrenal glands.
Renal aa.: Arise at the level of L2. Supply the kidneys, as well as give off
inferior suprarenal arteries to the adrenal glands.
Gonadal aa.: Arise at the level of L2. Supply the ovaries in women. In men
they pass through the inguinal canal within the spermatic cord to supply
the testicles.
Lumbar aa.: Supply the muscles of the posterior abdominal wall.
Median sacral a.: Descends along the sacrum into the pelvis to supply the
rectum.
Clinical Correlates
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Aneurysms of the abdominal aorta most often occurs below the level of
the renal arteries.
The diameter of the common iliac arteries is significantly smaller than that
of the aorta. As a result, large emboli dislodged from the heart may lodge
at the bifurcation of the aorta, causing ischemia of the lower limbs.
The branches of the abdominal aorta can be remembered using the
mnemonic: Prison Can Sometimes Seem Really Gentle (but only) Lucky
Inmates Survive.
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Phrenic a.
Celiac trunk
Suprarenal aa (Middle)
SMA

Renal aa.
Gonadal aa.
Lumbar aa.
IMA
Sacral aa.