The variability of the bronchi a1 arteries is mentioned by a iimnber of writws but details of the topography of these nriations are difficult to come by, although "Bnowledge of their variable origins a i d distribution would provide a practical addition to the operator's armamentarium" (Ci~dcJ\\~ell ct a]., '48). 1)ESCRJPTION O F CASENale dissecting room body, aet. 66; ccrtified cause of death:arteriosclerosis. The right and left bronchial arteries originated from a single stem which arose in common with the 1-eft superior intercostal artery from the left siikclavian ( fig. 1 ). This common "interccstobronchial trunk" was encircled by the ansa subclavia, and after a course of about one inch divided into its intercostal and bronchial branclies, the former vessel snpplping the first and second intercostal spaces. The bronchial trunlr passed downwards behind the stellate ganglion ( fig. a ) , being partially enilmlded in its posterior surface. Tt then coiirsed obliqiiely downwards and mcldjad behind the lcft subdavian artery to reach the front of tlie oesopliagns. Two main oesophageal branches wcre given off; the larger aiid proximal behind the subclavian artcry, tlie smaller and distal in the traclieo-oesophageal groove. The common bronchial artery then continued downwards behind the aortic arch and behind the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, giving a hraiicli to a superior tracheobroncliial lymph gland situated aborc the left broncbus ( fig. 3). The artery then passed to thc front of the trachea a short distance above the tracheal hifnrcatioii, 227