CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which artery is NOT a branch of the abdominal aorta?

1. Celiac artery

2. Coronary artery

3. Renal arteries

4. Inferior mesenteric artery

The correct answer is: Coronary artery

The coronary artery is not a branch of the abdominal aorta. Instead, it emerges directly from the aorta at the base of the heart and is responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle itself. In contrast, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several major branches that supply various organs in the abdominal region. The celiac artery, renal arteries, and inferior mesenteric artery all originate from the abdominal aorta. The celiac artery supplies blood to the liver, stomach, and spleen, the renal arteries supply blood to the kidneys, and the inferior mesenteric artery supplies blood to the distal colon and rectum. Each of these arteries plays a crucial role in delivering oxygenated blood to vital organs located in the abdominal cavity, which is distinct from the function of the coronary artery.