52 DISSECTION OF THE VASCULAR SYSTEM. 
aortic intercostal or from the aorta at that level, pass 
beneath the oesophagus to reach the root of the 
lungs, and thence penetrate the lungs, following the 
bronchi. 
3. The Ceeliac Axis is a large branch given off from 
the aorta as it pierces the diaphragm ; it passes for.a 
short: distance into the abdominal cavity, and then di- 
vides into three branches, as follofvs: 
a. Dun JR EPATIG. ARTERY.” the most anterior 
branch, passes beneath the cesophagus at its junction 
with the stomach, sends one or two large branches to: 
the liver, the true hepatic artery, one branch to the 
duodenum, and finally is distributed to the pancreas. 
b. THE Coronary ARTERY, the smallest of the 
three branches, is distributed chiefly along the small 
curvature of the stomach. 
c. THe Sptenic ARTERY, the most posterior divi- | 
sion, splits into two main branches distributed chiefly 
to the spleen. Each sends branches to the stomach 
along the great curvature, and some smaller branches 
are given off to the pancreas also. 
4. The Superior Mesenteric Artery arises from the 
aorta a short distance posterior to the coeliac axis. It 
gives off a number of branches which supply the small 
intestine and the greater portion of the large intes- 
tine. Follow its course in the mesentery. 
5. Posterior to the last two small arteries are given 
off, that on the left side being somewhat anterior to 
the other. Each divides into two branches, one of 
which passes anteriorly, the phrenzc artery, to supply 
the diaphragm, while the other is distributed to the 
muscles of the abdominal wall. This latter branch 
supplies also the adrenal bodies. 
6. The Renal Arteries are two large trunks, one on 
