As the abdominal aorta passes through the posterior abdominal region, the prevertebral plexus of nerves and ganglia covers its anterior surface. It is also related to numerous other structures:
Anterior to the abdominal aorta, as it descends, are the pancreas and splenic vein, the left renal vein, and the inferior part of the duodenum.
Several left lumbar veins cross it posteriorly as they pass to the inferior vena cava.