Intermediate Descending Thoracic Aorta Quiz

Q1. On which side of the thoracic vertebral bodies does the descending aorta initially lie?

• Left side
• Right side
• Within the vertebral canal
• Directly anterior only

Q2. How does the descending thoracic aorta shift as it approaches the diaphragm?

• It enters the pericardium
• It moves toward the midline
• It moves into the right lung
• It moves farther left

Q3. Which structure lies immediately to the right of much of the descending thoracic aorta?

• Left lung apex
• Thoracic duct
• Ascending aorta
• Pulmonary trunk

Q4. Which structure commonly lies anterior to the descending thoracic aorta?

• Posterior longitudinal ligament
• Vertebral canal
• Esophagus
• Spinous processes

Q5. Which branches supply the lower nine intercostal spaces?

• Posterior intercostal arteries 3-11
• Coronary arteries
• Superior epigastric arteries
• Anterior intercostal arteries 1-9

Q6. Which arteries run inferior to the twelfth ribs?

• Pericardiacophrenic arteries
• Subcostal arteries
• Internal thoracic arteries
• Superior thoracic arteries

Q7. Which branches of the thoracic aorta supply the posterior thoracic wall?

• Carotid and vertebral arteries
• Bronchial and esophageal arteries
• Posterior intercostal and subcostal arteries
• Coronary and pulmonary arteries

Q8. Which branches of the thoracic aorta supply the superior surface of the diaphragm?

• Superior thyroid arteries
• Inferior epigastric arteries
• Superior phrenic arteries
• Coronary arteries

Q9. Which branches supply structures of the posterior mediastinum?

• Cerebral branches
• Gonadal branches
• Mediastinal branches
• Renal branches

Q10. Which branches supply the posterior aspect of the pericardium?

• Pericardial branches
• Lumbar arteries
• Cystic arteries
• Inferior thyroid arteries