American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test 2026 - Free Surgery Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

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From which artery does the superior adrenal artery primarily arise?

Aorta

Superior mesenteric artery

Inferior phrenic artery

The superior adrenal artery primarily arises from the inferior phrenic artery. This is important to know, as the blood supply to the adrenal glands is segmentally derived from different arteries.

The superior adrenal artery specifically serves the adrenal glands and is crucial for their function, which includes the production of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. The inferior phrenic artery, which branches off the aorta, provides this vital blood supply to the upper portions of the adrenal glands, in addition to supplying blood to the diaphragm.

While other arteries like the aorta and renal artery do contribute to the blood supply of the adrenal glands, the superior adrenal artery's most common origin is indeed from the inferior phrenic artery. This anatomical knowledge is essential for understanding adrenal gland blood supply, especially in surgical procedures or when considering conditions affecting the adrenal glands.

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Renal artery

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