A study of the extent, branching pattern and applied aspects of abdominal aorta

INTRODUCTION: The morphological aspect of abdominal aorta shows great variations in its extent, course and its branches. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to observe the morphological and radiological aspect of the abdominal aorta. The objectives of the study includes 1. To study the course, extent of the abdominal aorta 2. number of branches, 3. vertebral origin of branches of abdominal aorta. 4. Length of abdominal aorta, 5. Inter-arterial distance between Coeliac artery, superior mesentric and inferior mesentric artery, 6.external diameter at various levels, 7. Variations in both morphologal and radiological images. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifty abdominal aorta specimens taken from unclaimed cadavers in the Department of Anatomy and from the Forensic Medicine and ten radiological images obtained from the Department of Radiology, Govt. Stanley Medical College were taken for the study. OBSERVATION: In all fifty specimens, course were found to be normal. 49 specimens showed normal branching pattern.One specimen showed an accessory renal artery on the left side in addition to usual branches of aorta. Vertebral level of origin of coeliac artery were at T12-L1 level, superior mesentric artery at body of L1 level, inferior mesentric artery at L3 level, renal arteries at L1 level and gonadal artery at L2 level. CONCLUSION: The Variations in the course and branches of abdominal aorta has its significance and is of paramount importance. This study will be of helpful to Anatomist, Surgeons and for Radiologist in view of its morphological results