The descending aorta | structure and relations of descending aorta | Medicoze

The descending aorta descends from the left of the 4th thoracic vertebra, inclining medially to the front of the 12th,where it passes through the diaphragm to become the abdominal aorta.

Relations

Anteriorly, from above downwards, are the left lung root, the left atrium, covered by pericardium, the oesophagus and the diaphragm. Posteriorly are the 4th to 12th thoracic vertebrae.The left side of the descending aorta is in contact with the left pleura and lung, and its right side with the oesophagus above and the right lung and pleura below. The thoracic duct and azygos vein are also on its right side.

Branches

These are the 3rd to 11th posterior intercostal arteries, a pair of subcostal arteries, two or three small bronchial arteries, several small oesophageal arteries and arteries to the diaphragm