Pericardial branches of aorta

Pericardial branches of the aorta are small arterial vessels that arise from the descending thoracic aorta and contribute to the arterial blood supply of the pericardium. They represent one of the two main sources of pericardial vascularization, the other being branches of the internal thoracic artery (via the pericardiophrenic and musculophrenic arteries).

• Origin: They arise from the descending thoracic aorta, alongside other small mediastinal branches such as the bronchial and esophageal arteries. Some sources note that the bronchial and esophageal arteries themselves may also send smaller contributions to the pericardium.

• Distribution: These branches supply primarily the posterior and lateral portions of the parietal pericardium, complementing the anterior supply provided by the pericardiophrenic artery (a branch of the internal thoracic artery).

• Size and variability: They are typically small, thin-walled vessels with considerable anatomical variability between individuals. Under normal conditions, the pericardium has minimal vascularity; however, these vessels become more prominent in pathological states such as pericarditis.

Venous drainage of the pericardium is provided by the pericardiophrenic veins, which drain into the brachiocephalic (innominate) veins either directly or via the superior intercostal veins and internal thoracic veins.