American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Where does the middle adrenal artery originate?

1. Inferior phrenic artery

2. Renal artery

3. Aorta

4. Common iliac artery

The correct answer is: Aorta

The middle adrenal artery primarily originates from the aorta. This artery is responsible for supplying blood to the adrenal glands, specifically the adrenal cortex and medulla. In the vascular anatomy of the adrenal glands, each gland receives blood from three sources: the superior, middle, and inferior adrenal arteries. The superior adrenal arteries originate from the inferior phrenic artery, while the inferior adrenal arteries branch from the renal artery. However, the middle adrenal artery is unique in that it emerges directly from the aorta; this is an established anatomical fact. Understanding the origins of the adrenal arteries is crucial for surgical procedures involving the adrenal glands and aids in avoiding potential complications during surgery. Knowing that the middle adrenal artery arises from the aorta helps in comprehending the vascular supply of the adrenal glands and assists in diagnostics and management of adrenal pathology.