Bronchial artery Anatomy

 Bronchial arteries most commonly originate from the descending thoracic aorta between the levels of t5 and t6 vertebral bodies but can originate anywhere between t2 to t7 level.

80% of individuals have a right Bronchial artery that arises as a common intercostobronchial trunk from the posterolateral aspect of thoracic aorta.the other Bronchial arteries arise from the  anterolateral aspect of the thoracic aorta.

Four classic branching patterns are there:

2 on the left and 1on the right arising as an intercostobronchial trunk (ICBT)-40%

1 on the left and 1 ICBT on the right -20%

2 on the left and 2 on the right -20%

1 on the left and two on the right -20%

Anomalous Bronchial arteries found in upto 35% of the individuals,may arise from aortic arch,intercostal arteries,internal mammary arteries,thyrocervical trunk,costocervical trunk,brachiocephalic artery,subclavian artery.