A cardiothoracic fellow asks about bronchial arterial anatomy before a thoracic aortic repair. Which statement about the bronchial arteries is correct?
- A Two bronchial arteries typically arise on the left from the descending thoracic aorta, while the single right bronchial artery usually arises from the right third posterior intercostal artery ✓
- B Two bronchial arteries typically arise on the right directly from the descending thoracic aorta
- C All bronchial arteries arise from the subclavian artery via the internal thoracic artery
- D Bronchial arteries carry deoxygenated blood and accompany the pulmonary veins
Correct answer: A. Two bronchial arteries typically arise on the left from the descending thoracic aorta, while the single right bronchial artery usually arises from the right third posterior intercostal artery
Explanation
The classic arrangement is two left bronchial arteries arising directly from the descending thoracic aorta around the T5 to T6 level, and one right bronchial artery arising indirectly, usually from the right third posterior intercostal artery. Bronchial arteries carry oxygenated systemic blood to nourish lung parenchyma and travel with the bronchi, not the pulmonary veins, which rules out option D. Option C describes no standard textbook origin.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.