Quick Facts
Origin: Descending thoracic aorta.
Course: Short course to the esophagus.
Branches: None.
Supplied Structures: Esophagus.
Origin
The esophageal branches of the descending thoracic aorta arise from the anterior aspect of the thoracic aorta. There are usually two branches.
Course
From their origin, they travel anteriorly and inferiorly to the middle third of the esophagus, where they anastomose with each other. Superiorly, they anastomose with the esophageal branches of inferior thyroid artery. Inferiorly, they anastomose with the esophageal branches of left gastric artery.
Supplied Structures
The esophageal branches of thoracic aorta supply the esophagus.
