Skip to main content

Unfortunately we don't fully support your browser. If you have the option to, please upgrade to a newer version or use Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari 14 or newer. If you are unable to, and need support, please send us your feedback.

Elsevier
Publish with us
Pericardiacophrenic Artery
Cardiovascular System

Pericardiacophrenic Artery

Arteria pericardiacophrenica

Read more

Quick Facts

Origin: Internal thoracic artery.

Course: Inferiorly through the middle mediastinum.

Branches: None.

Supplied Structures: Pericardium, respiratory diaphragm, and mediastinal part of parietal pleura.

Complete Anatomy
The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform
Try it for Free

Origin

The pericardiacophrenic artery arises from the internal thoracic artery at the level of the first costal cartilage.

Course

From its origin, the pericardiacophrenic artery descends through the middle mediastinum. It travels anterior to the lung roots, then between the pleura and the lateral surface of the pericardium. It extends to the respiratory diaphragm, where it anastomoses with the superior phrenic and musculophrenic arteries.

Along most of its course, the pericardiacophrenic artery is accompanied by the phrenic nerve and pericardiacophrenic vein.

Branches

There are no named branches.

Supplied Structures

The pericardiacophrenic artery supplies the pericardium, respiratory diaphragm, and mediastinal part of parietal pleura.

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy