Origin 
•  Continuation of the descending thoracic aorta.

Region 
•  In both male and female the abdominal aorta passes through the diaphragmatic aortic aperture, behind the median arcuate ligament. The abdominal aorta begins at the lower border of T12 and descends over the lumbar vertebrae and associated anterior longitudinal ligament to terminate over the body of L4, by dividing into right and left common iliac arteries.

Branches
•  Inferior phrenic arteries.

•  Lumbar arteries.

•  Median sacral artery.

•   Superior mesenteric arteries.

•  Inferior mesenteric arteries.

•  Middle suprarenal arteries.

•  Renal arteries.

•  Testicular arteries (male).

•  Ovarian arteries (female).

•  Celiac trunk.

Supply
•  Through its many branches, the abdominal aorta supplies a wide variety of structures. Please see individual arteries for detailed supply.


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