Lateral Perspective of the Pericardiophrenic Artery (Sagittal Thoracic Section)

Description

Seen in lateral profile within a sagittal section of the male thorax, the pericardiophrenic artery tracks inferiorly along the fibrous pericardium with its paired pericardiophrenic vein, closely paralleling the phrenic nerve on the mediastinal pleura. Superiorly, the vessel originates from the internal thoracic artery and descends between the pericardial sac and the pleural cavity toward the central tendon of the diaphragm. The heart sits anteroinferior to the trachea, with the thoracic aorta and inferior vena cava positioned more posteriorly, while the ribs and costal cartilages define the lateral thoracic wall. Clear depth cues. This lateral sagittal perspective matters because it clarifies the pericardiacophrenic bundle’s course, the structure at risk during pericardial windows, mediastinal pleural dissection, and phrenic nerve procedures. Surgeons and trainees often confuse pericardiophrenic vessels with adjacent mediastinal tributaries on imaging or in the operative field, but their persistent relationship to the pericardium and diaphragm is the giveaway. The view also supports teaching why phrenic nerve injury can accompany bleeding near the cardiophrenic angle, and why pericardiophrenic vessels may become conspicuous as collateral pathways when the internal thoracic artery is harvested or occluded. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and cardiothoracic surgery modules to reinforce sagittal mediastinal relationships, or in surgical atlases describing a subxiphoid or anterior thoracoscopic approach to pericardial drainage and diaphragmatic pericardium exposure. It also fits radiology teaching files that correlate CT sagittal reconstructions with pericardial and cardiophrenic vascular anatomy for case discussions. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.