Origin The middle suprarenal artery (usually) arises from lateral aspect of the
abdominal aorta. Its origin occurs at roughly the same level as that of the
superior mesenteric artery.
Course The vessel passes laterally and slightly superior-ward, passing over the
crura of the
diaphragm to reach the surface of the ipsilateral
suprarenal gland, whereupon it forms anastomoses with the other suprarenal arteries.
Relations The anatomical relations of the left and right middle superior artery differ. The right vessel crosses the
inferior vena cava posteriorly near the
right celiac ganglion. The left vessel passes near the
right celiac ganglion, superior margin of the spleen, and
splenic artery.
Variation There is usually a single middle suprarenal artery (on either side of the body), but in some individuals, there may be multiple, or the vessel may be absent. The vessel may sometimes arise from the (ipsilateral)
renal artery, or (ipsilateral)
inferior phrenic artery. == Function ==