Vascular anatomy · USMLE Step 1

A surgeon planning an aortic aneurysm repair reviews major posterior branches of the abdominal aorta. Which artery is a direct posterior branch?

  1. Inferior phrenic artery
  2. Lumbar arteries
  3. Renal arteries
  4. Inferior mesenteric artery
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Correct answer: Lumbar arteries

The lumbar arteries are posterior branches of the abdominal aorta supplying the posterior abdominal wall. They must be preserved during retroperitoneal surgery.

Difficulty: Medium Question 14 of 20

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