Left Inferior Phrenic Artery, Inferior View

Description

Arising from the abdominal aorta near the aortic hiatus, the left inferior phrenic artery courses superiorly and laterally to reach the diaphragmatic surface, then arches across the inferior aspect of the central tendon. From an inferior (abdominal) perspective, its curved trajectory is read against the tendinous center and adjacent muscular slips of the left hemidiaphragm, with the artery running anterior to the crura and approaching the region just lateral to the esophageal hiatus. Small diaphragmatic branches radiate peripherally toward the costal part, while fine twigs may track medially toward the caval opening. Orientation is unambiguous. Surgical and interventional planning often depends on knowing where this vessel actually runs. The inferior phrenic arteries are a frequent extrahepatic arterial supply to hepatocellular carcinoma, most often via the right but also via the left in tumors abutting the bare area, and selective catheterization requires anticipation of an early takeoff from the aorta (or less commonly the celiac trunk) and a steep cranial course along the diaphragm. Bleeding from the inferior phrenic artery also appears in diaphragmatic injury and upper abdominal procedures, where its proximity to the central tendon and hiatuses matters during hemostasis and repair. Use this illustration in gross anatomy teaching of the diaphragm and its arterial supply, in radiology or IR materials that discuss variant origins and tumor feeders, or in operative atlases covering transdiaphragmatic approaches to the gastroesophageal junction and hiatus. It also supports patient safety content on upper abdominal hemorrhage control and selective embolization technique. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.