Esophageal artery

Esophageal Artery

Esophageal artery and its branches. (Image from Gray's Anatomy)

The Esophageal Artery is a small artery that supplies blood to the esophagus. It originates from the thoracic aorta or one of its branches, typically the bronchial arteries.

Anatomy

The esophageal artery is a small, variable vessel that arises from the thoracic aorta or one of its branches. It descends along the esophagus, giving off several small branches that penetrate the muscular layer of the esophagus to supply the submucosa and mucosa.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the anatomy of the esophageal artery is crucial in several medical procedures, including esophagectomy and endoscopic ultrasound.

See Also

• Esophagus
• Thoracic aorta
• Bronchial arteries