SummaryThe arterial supply to the oesophagus was studied in 32 mortuary specimens. The findings were as generally described in the literature. The anastomosis between the superior and inferior thyroid arteries and hence the ability of the superior thyroid artery to supply a portion of the oesophagus, was noted. In general, the blood supply of the entire oesophagus was adequate with free anastomosis between its various branches. Nevertheless, it will not tolerate extensive mobilization during surgery. The relatively unsafe sites for anastomosis have been pointed out. The influence of haemodynamics has not been taken into account, in this review, and may be worthy of further investigation.