Question

Branches of the abdominal aorta, from cranial to caudal are -
(A). Cranial mesenteric artery
(B). External iliac artery
(C). Renal artery
(D). Celiac artery
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (D), (A), (C), (B).
• B. (C), (B), (D), (A).
• C. (B), (D), (C), (A).
• D. (A), (B), (D), (C).

Hint:

A simple mnemonic for the primary visceral branches of the abdominal aorta in order is: Can Cows Run Caudally?
- Celiac $\rightarrow$ Cranial mesenteric $\rightarrow$ Renal $\rightarrow$ Caudal mesenteric.
The external iliacs arise at the very end of the aorta.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The abdominal aorta is the caudal continuation of the thoracic aorta after it passes through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm.
It gives off several paired parietal and unpaired visceral branches to supply the abdominal organs and hindlimbs.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us trace the major branches of the abdominal aorta in domestic animals from cranial to caudal direction:
1. Celiac artery (D): This is the first major, unpaired visceral branch arising immediately caudal to the diaphragm. It divides into the splenic, left gastric, and hepatic arteries.
2. Cranial mesenteric artery (A): This is the second large, unpaired visceral branch arising just caudal to the celiac artery to supply most of the intestines.
3. Renal arteries (C): These are paired visceral branches arising caudal to the cranial mesenteric artery to supply the kidneys (with the right renal artery usually arising slightly cranial to the left).
4. Testicular or ovarian arteries (paired visceral, not listed).
5. Caudal mesenteric artery (unpaired visceral, not listed).
6. External iliac arteries (B): These are large, paired parietal branches arising near the termination of the aorta to supply the hindlimbs.
Therefore, the correct cranial-to-caudal sequence is: (D) Celiac $\rightarrow$ (A) Cranial mesenteric $\rightarrow$ (C) Renal $\rightarrow$ (B) External iliac.

Step 3: Final Answer:
This sequence is represented by (D), (A), (C), (B), which corresponds to option (A).