Which arteries are branches of the descending aorta that supply the thoracic wall?

Which arteries are branches of the descending aorta that supply the thoracic wall?

• A. Inferior phrenic arteries and anterior intercostal arteries
• B. Superior phrenic arteries and posterior intercostal arteries
• C. Subclavian arteries and internal thoracic arteries
• D. Anginal arteries and thoracic aorta

Answer: (B)

The correct choice identifies the arteries that branch from the descending aorta and are responsible for supplying blood to the thoracic wall. The posterior intercostal arteries, which arise from the descending thoracic aorta, supply the intercostal spaces and muscles, contributing to the vascularization of the thoracic wall. The superior phrenic arteries, also branches of the descending aorta, supply the superior aspect of the diaphragm and the lower thoracic wall. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the arteries that supply the thoracic wall. The inferior phrenic arteries arise from the abdominal aorta and are more related to the supply of the inferior diaphragm. The subclavian arteries, while significant in supplying blood to the upper body, do not branch from the descending aorta directly and are not considered branches supplying the thoracic wall. Lastly, terms like anginal arteries do not refer to recognized arteries in this context, and the internal thoracic arteries originate from the subclavian arteries rather than the descending aorta.

The correct choice identifies the arteries that branch from the descending aorta and are responsible for supplying blood to the thoracic wall. The posterior intercostal arteries, which arise from the descending thoracic aorta, supply the intercostal spaces and muscles, contributing to the vascularization of the thoracic wall. The superior phrenic arteries, also branches of the descending aorta, supply the superior aspect of the diaphragm and the lower thoracic wall.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the arteries that supply the thoracic wall. The inferior phrenic arteries arise from the abdominal aorta and are more related to the supply of the inferior diaphragm. The subclavian arteries, while significant in supplying blood to the upper body, do not branch from the descending aorta directly and are not considered branches supplying the thoracic wall. Lastly, terms like anginal arteries do not refer to recognized arteries in this context, and the internal thoracic arteries originate from the subclavian arteries rather than the descending aorta.