Diaphragm is supplied by...artery?

Appeared in: DHS 2018 shift 1st

Explanation

The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration, separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
Its arterial blood supply is provided by the superior and inferior phrenic arteries, which are branches of the aorta.
The name 'phrenic' is consistently associated with the diaphragm, as the phrenic nerve also provides its motor control.

Option A: The coronary arteries supply oxygenated blood to the myocardium, which is the muscle tissue of the heart, not the diaphragm.
Option C: The vasa vasorum are a 'network of vessels for the vessels'. They are tiny arteries that provide nourishment to the outer layers of the walls of large blood vessels like the aorta and vena cava.
Option D: The renal arteries are major branches of the abdominal aorta that deliver blood to the kidneys.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Arterial supply of the diaphragm as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Knowledge of the diaphragm's blood supply is critical during thoracic and upper abdominal surgeries to avoid accidental ligation or injury to the phrenic arteries, which could impair respiratory function.
Trauma to the chest or abdomen can damage these arteries, leading to a hematoma or ischemia of the diaphragm, compromising breathing.
What if? If a patient undergoes a complex repair of the thoracic or abdominal aorta, the origins of the phrenic arteries could be compromised. The nurse must closely monitor the patient's respiratory rate, effort, and oxygen saturation post-operatively for signs of diaphragmatic weakness.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on human anatomy.
First, identify the key anatomical structure in the question stem: the 'Diaphragm'.
Next, recall the specific terminology associated with the diaphragm. The term 'phrenic' is used for both its nerve supply (phrenic nerve) and its arterial supply (phrenic arteries).
Systematically evaluate each option. 'Coronary' relates to the heart, and 'Renal' relates to the kidneys.
'Vasa vasorum' is a specific term for the blood supply to blood vessel walls.
Based on this association, 'Phrenic' is the only logical answer related to the diaphragm.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QrCPChBx3WZgvSFedwZKeC

E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V2 10e Part 2 p. 116-118

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 179-181

E6 Anatomy MindMaps BDChaurasia V1 10e p. 14-15

Practise the full DHS 2018 shift 1st

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.