Major Blood Vessels

Understanding major blood vessels is key in Anatomy and Physiology II. These vessels, including arteries and veins, play crucial roles in transporting oxygenated and deoxygenated blood throughout the body, supporting vital functions and maintaining overall health.

1. Aorta

   • The largest artery in the body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart.
   • Distributes oxygenated blood to all parts of the body through systemic circulation.
   • Divided into sections: ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta, and abdominal aorta.

2. Superior vena cava

   • A large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium of the heart.
   • Drains blood from the head, neck, arms, and upper chest.
   • Formed by the merging of the left and right brachiocephalic veins.

3. Inferior vena cava

   • The largest vein in the body, transporting deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the right atrium.
   • Collects blood from the abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs.
   • Formed by the union of the left and right common iliac veins.

4. Pulmonary arteries

   • Carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs.
   • The only arteries that carry deoxygenated blood, branching into left and right pulmonary arteries.
   • Facilitate gas exchange in the lungs, allowing for oxygenation of blood.

5. Pulmonary veins

   • Transport oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the left atrium of the heart.
   • There are four pulmonary veins: two from each lung.
   • Essential for completing the pulmonary circulation loop.

6. Common carotid arteries

   • Supply blood to the head and neck, bifurcating into internal and external carotid arteries.
   • The internal carotid arteries supply the brain, while the external carotid arteries supply the face and neck.
   • Located on both sides of the neck, easily palpated.

7. Subclavian arteries

   • Supply blood to the arms, chest, shoulders, and part of the brain.
   • Branch off from the aorta (left subclavian) and the brachiocephalic trunk (right subclavian).
   • Transition into the axillary arteries as they pass under the clavicle.

8. Brachial arteries

   • The main artery of the upper arm, continuing from the axillary artery.
   • Supplies blood to the arm and forearm, branching into the radial and ulnar arteries.
   • Commonly used for measuring blood pressure.

9. Radial arteries

   • Supply blood to the lateral aspect of the forearm and hand.
   • Commonly palpated at the wrist for pulse checks.
   • Important for supplying the muscles and skin of the forearm.

10. Ulnar arteries

    • Supply blood to the medial aspect of the forearm and hand.
    • Run alongside the ulnar bone and contribute to the blood supply of the hand.
    • Important for the function of the muscles in the forearm.

11. Femoral arteries

    • Major artery supplying blood to the lower limb, continuing from the external iliac artery.
    • Branches into the profunda femoris artery and popliteal artery.
    • Commonly used for pulse checks in the groin area.

12. Popliteal arteries

    • Located behind the knee, continuation of the femoral artery.
    • Branches into anterior and posterior tibial arteries.
    • Supplies blood to the knee joint and lower leg.

13. Anterior tibial arteries

    • Supply blood to the anterior compartment of the leg and the dorsum of the foot.
    • Continue as the dorsalis pedis artery at the ankle.
    • Important for foot and toe circulation.

14. Posterior tibial arteries

    • Supply blood to the posterior compartment of the leg and the plantar surface of the foot.
    • Branches into the medial and lateral plantar arteries.
    • Important for the circulation of the heel and sole of the foot.

15. Renal arteries

    • Supply blood to the kidneys, branching off from the abdominal aorta.
    • Essential for kidney function, including filtration and waste removal.
    • Each kidney receives one renal artery.

16. Hepatic portal vein

    • Carries nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.
    • Formed by the merging of the superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein.
    • Plays a crucial role in metabolism and detoxification.

17. Jugular veins

    • Drain deoxygenated blood from the head and neck back to the heart.
    • Comprised of internal and external jugular veins.
    • Internal jugular veins are larger and primarily drain the brain.

18. Saphenous veins

    • The longest veins in the body, running along the length of the leg.
    • Great saphenous vein drains into the femoral vein; small saphenous vein drains into the popliteal vein.
    • Important for venous return from the lower extremities.

19. Coronary arteries

    • Supply blood to the heart muscle itself, branching from the aorta.
    • Include the left and right coronary arteries, which further branch into smaller arteries.
    • Essential for providing oxygen and nutrients to the heart tissue.

20. Mesenteric arteries

    • Supply blood to the intestines, including the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries.
    • Play a vital role in the blood supply to the digestive system.
    • Important for nutrient absorption and gastrointestinal health.