Vessel
Lumbar arteries
Segmental aortic supply around the lumbar vertebrae
High-yield
Their segmental arrangement parallels that of posterior intercostal arteries. Dorsal and spinal branches connect the abdominal arterial system with tissues around and within the spine.
Overview
Lumbar arteries usually arise as four pairs from the posterior aorta. Their branches wrap around the lumbar vertebral region to supply the posterior abdominal wall, back and structures within the vertebral canal.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually four paired branches from the posterior abdominal aorta near L1–L4.
- Course
- Pass around vertebral bodies and behind psoas toward the posterior and lateral abdominal wall.
- Branches
- Give body-wall branches, dorsal branches and spinal branches entering the vertebral canal.
- Supplies
- Supply lumbar vertebral tissues, posterior body-wall muscles and contributions to spinal/meningeal circulation.
- Drains to
- Associated lumbar veins drain to the IVC and communicate through ascending lumbar veins with the azygos systems.
Clinical correlation
Persistent retrograde flow through a lumbar artery can refill an excluded aortic aneurysm sac after endovascular repair. This is one recognized mechanism of a type II endoleak.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the lumbar arteries originate?
Usually four paired branches from the posterior abdominal aorta near L1–L4.
What do the lumbar arteries supply?
Supply lumbar vertebral tissues, posterior body-wall muscles and contributions to spinal/meningeal circulation.
Where do the lumbar arteries drain to?
The lumbar arteries drain to the associated lumbar veins drain to the IVC and communicate through ascending lumbar veins with the azygos systems.
What are the branches of the lumbar arteries?
Branches of the lumbar arteries include the give body-wall branches, dorsal branches and spinal branches entering the vertebral canal.