Label The General Arteries In The Figure

Here's how to identify the major arteries in the human body. Understanding the location and function of these vessels is crucial in fields like medicine, nursing, and even fitness.

Identifying General Arteries in the Human Body

Arteries are blood vessels responsible for transporting oxygenated blood away from the heart to various tissues and organs throughout the body. Unlike veins, which carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, arteries have thicker walls to withstand the high pressure of blood being pumped by the heart. This article will guide you through identifying the major arteries in the human body, detailing their location, function, and key branches.

The Aorta: The Body's Main Artery

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body and serves as the primary conduit for blood leaving the heart. It originates from the left ventricle and extends down through the chest and abdomen. The aorta is divided into several sections:

• Ascending Aorta: This is the initial segment that arises directly from the left ventricle. The only branches off the ascending aorta are the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle itself.
• Aortic Arch: The ascending aorta curves to form the aortic arch. Three major arteries branch off the aortic arch:
  • Brachiocephalic Artery (Innominate Artery): This is the first and largest branch. It ascends and then divides into the right subclavian artery (supplying the right arm) and the right common carotid artery (supplying the right side of the head and neck).
  • Left Common Carotid Artery: This artery arises directly from the aortic arch and supplies blood to the left side of the head and neck.
  • Left Subclavian Artery: This artery also arises directly from the aortic arch and supplies blood to the left arm.
• Descending Aorta: This is the longest part of the aorta, extending downward through the thorax (chest) and abdomen. It is further divided into the thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta.
  • Thoracic Aorta: The portion of the descending aorta located in the chest. It gives off branches that supply the lungs, esophagus, and chest wall.
  • Abdominal Aorta: The portion of the descending aorta located in the abdomen. It supplies blood to the abdominal organs and lower limbs.

Arteries of the Head and Neck

The head and neck region receives blood supply primarily from the common carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.

• Common Carotid Arteries: As mentioned earlier, the right common carotid artery originates from the brachiocephalic artery, while the left common carotid artery arises directly from the aortic arch. Each common carotid artery ascends in the neck and then divides into two branches:
  • Internal Carotid Artery: This artery enters the skull and supplies blood to the brain, eyes, and forehead. It does not have any branches in the neck.
  • External Carotid Artery: This artery supplies blood to the face, scalp, tongue, and other external structures of the head and neck. It has several branches, including:
    • Superior Thyroid Artery: Supplies the thyroid gland and larynx.
    • Lingual Artery: Supplies the tongue.
    • Facial Artery: Supplies the face.
    • Maxillary Artery: A larger branch that supplies the jaws, teeth, nasal cavity, and meninges (membranes surrounding the brain).
    • Superficial Temporal Artery: A terminal branch that supplies the scalp and temporal region.
• Vertebral Arteries: These arteries arise from the subclavian arteries and ascend through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae (bones in the neck). They enter the skull through the foramen magnum (the large opening at the base of the skull) and join to form the basilar artery.
  • Basilar Artery: This artery runs along the base of the brain and supplies blood to the brainstem, cerebellum, and posterior parts of the brain. The basilar artery then divides into the posterior cerebral arteries, which supply the posterior portions of the cerebral hemispheres.

Arteries of the Upper Limbs

The arteries of the upper limbs are responsible for supplying blood to the shoulders, arms, forearms, and hands.

• Subclavian Artery: As discussed earlier, the right subclavian artery originates from the brachiocephalic artery, while the left subclavian artery arises directly from the aortic arch. The subclavian artery supplies blood to the upper limb and gives off several branches, including the vertebral artery.
• Axillary Artery: The subclavian artery becomes the axillary artery as it passes over the first rib. The axillary artery is located in the axilla (armpit) and supplies blood to the shoulder and chest wall.
• Brachial Artery: The axillary artery becomes the brachial artery as it enters the arm. The brachial artery runs along the medial aspect of the arm and is commonly used to measure blood pressure.
• Radial Artery: The brachial artery divides into the radial and ulnar arteries at the elbow. The radial artery runs along the radial (thumb) side of the forearm and supplies blood to the lateral aspect of the forearm and hand. The radial artery is also commonly used to measure pulse.
• Ulnar Artery: The ulnar artery runs along the ulnar (pinky finger) side of the forearm and supplies blood to the medial aspect of the forearm and hand.
• Palmar Arches: The radial and ulnar arteries anastomose (join together) in the hand to form the superficial palmar arch and the deep palmar arch. These arches supply blood to the fingers and palm.

Arteries of the Thorax

The thoracic aorta gives off branches that supply blood to the thoracic organs and chest wall.

• Bronchial Arteries: These arteries supply blood to the lungs.
• Esophageal Arteries: These arteries supply blood to the esophagus.
• Intercostal Arteries: These arteries run along the ribs and supply blood to the intercostal muscles, chest wall, and spinal cord.

Arteries of the Abdomen and Pelvis

The abdominal aorta supplies blood to the abdominal organs, pelvic region, and lower limbs.

• Celiac Artery (Celiac Trunk): This is the first major branch off the abdominal aorta. It divides into three branches:
  • Left Gastric Artery: Supplies the stomach and esophagus.
  • Splenic Artery: Supplies the spleen, pancreas, and stomach.
  • Common Hepatic Artery: Supplies the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and duodenum.
• Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA): This artery arises from the abdominal aorta just below the celiac artery. It supplies blood to the small intestine (except for the duodenum), ascending colon, and transverse colon.
• Renal Arteries: These arteries supply blood to the kidneys.
• Gonadal Arteries (Ovarian or Testicular Arteries): These arteries supply blood to the ovaries in females and the testes in males.
• Inferior Mesenteric Artery (IMA): This artery arises from the abdominal aorta below the renal arteries. It supplies blood to the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum.
• Common Iliac Arteries: The abdominal aorta divides into the right and left common iliac arteries in the lower abdomen. Each common iliac artery then divides into two branches:
  • Internal Iliac Artery: Supplies blood to the pelvic organs (e.g., bladder, rectum, uterus in females), reproductive organs, and gluteal region.
  • External Iliac Artery: Supplies blood to the lower limb.

Arteries of the Lower Limbs

The arteries of the lower limbs are responsible for supplying blood to the hips, thighs, legs, and feet.

• External Iliac Artery: As mentioned earlier, the external iliac artery is a branch of the common iliac artery. It passes under the inguinal ligament (a band of tissue in the groin) and becomes the femoral artery.
• Femoral Artery: The femoral artery is the main artery of the thigh. It runs along the anterior aspect of the thigh and supplies blood to the thigh muscles.
• Popliteal Artery: The femoral artery passes behind the knee and becomes the popliteal artery. The popliteal artery is located in the popliteal fossa (the hollow behind the knee).
• Anterior Tibial Artery: The popliteal artery divides into the anterior tibial and posterior tibial arteries below the knee. The anterior tibial artery runs along the anterior aspect of the leg and supplies blood to the anterior compartment of the leg and the foot. As it passes onto the foot, it becomes the dorsalis pedis artery.
• Posterior Tibial Artery: The posterior tibial artery runs along the posterior aspect of the leg and supplies blood to the posterior compartment of the leg and the plantar aspect (sole) of the foot. It gives off the fibular (peroneal) artery which supplies the lateral compartment of the leg.
• Dorsalis Pedis Artery: This artery is a continuation of the anterior tibial artery on the foot. It is located on the dorsum (top) of the foot and is commonly used to assess circulation in the lower limb.
• Plantar Arteries: The posterior tibial artery divides into the medial plantar artery and the lateral plantar artery in the foot. These arteries supply blood to the plantar aspect (sole) of the foot and the toes. They also form the plantar arch, which provides additional blood supply to the foot.

Key Concepts in Arterial Anatomy

• Anastomoses: These are connections between blood vessels. They provide alternative routes for blood flow in case one vessel is blocked or damaged. Examples include the palmar arches in the hand and the plantar arch in the foot.
• Collateral Circulation: The alternative routes of blood flow provided by anastomoses are called collateral circulation. This is important for maintaining blood supply to tissues even if a major artery is obstructed.
• Pulse Points: These are locations where an artery can be palpated (felt) near the surface of the body. Common pulse points include the radial artery in the wrist, the brachial artery in the arm, the carotid artery in the neck, the femoral artery in the groin, and the dorsalis pedis artery on the foot.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the location and function of the major arteries is essential in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, including:

• Atherosclerosis: A condition in which plaque builds up inside the arteries, leading to narrowing and reduced blood flow.
• Aneurysms: A localized, abnormal widening of an artery due to weakening of the arterial wall.
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked, typically due to atherosclerosis.
• Stroke: Occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted, often due to a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured artery (hemorrhagic stroke).

Mnemonic Devices for Remembering Arteries

Mnemonic devices can be helpful for remembering the order and branching patterns of major arteries. Here are a few examples:

• Aortic Arch Branches: "Brilliant Cats Love Soup" (Brachiocephalic, Carotid (Left Common), Left Subclavian)
• External Carotid Artery Branches: "Some Anatomists Like Freaking Out Poor Medical Students" (Superior Thyroid, Ascending Pharyngeal, Lingual, Facial, Occipital, Posterior Auricular, Maxillary, Superficial Temporal)

Visual Aids and Resources

• Anatomical Charts: Detailed charts showing the arterial system can be a valuable resource for visual learners.
• Anatomical Models: Three-dimensional models of the human body can help you visualize the location and relationships of the arteries.
• Online Resources: Numerous websites and apps offer interactive anatomy lessons and quizzes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the difference between an artery and a vein?
  • Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, while veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Arteries have thicker walls than veins to withstand the high pressure of blood being pumped by the heart.
• What is the largest artery in the human body?
  • The aorta is the largest artery in the human body.
• What are the major branches of the aortic arch?
  • The major branches of the aortic arch are the brachiocephalic artery, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery.
• What artery is commonly used to measure blood pressure?
  • The brachial artery is commonly used to measure blood pressure.
• What artery is commonly used to measure pulse in the wrist?
  • The radial artery is commonly used to measure pulse in the wrist.
• What is an anastomosis?
  • An anastomosis is a connection between blood vessels, providing an alternative route for blood flow.
• What is collateral circulation?
  • Collateral circulation is the alternative route of blood flow provided by anastomoses, ensuring blood supply to tissues even if a major artery is blocked.
• What are the major arteries that supply the brain?
  • The major arteries that supply the brain are the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
• What is the celiac artery and what does it supply?
  • The celiac artery (or celiac trunk) is the first major branch off the abdominal aorta. It supplies the stomach, spleen, liver, pancreas, and duodenum.
• What is the superior mesenteric artery and what does it supply?
  • The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) arises from the abdominal aorta just below the celiac artery. It supplies the small intestine (except for the duodenum), ascending colon, and transverse colon.
• What is the inferior mesenteric artery and what does it supply?
  • The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) arises from the abdominal aorta below the renal arteries. It supplies the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum.
• What are the common iliac arteries?
  • The abdominal aorta divides into the right and left common iliac arteries in the lower abdomen. Each common iliac artery then divides into the internal and external iliac arteries.
• What do the internal and external iliac arteries supply?
  • The internal iliac artery supplies blood to the pelvic organs, reproductive organs, and gluteal region. The external iliac artery supplies blood to the lower limb.
• What is the femoral artery?
  • The femoral artery is the main artery of the thigh, arising from the external iliac artery as it passes under the inguinal ligament.
• What is the popliteal artery?
  • The popliteal artery is a continuation of the femoral artery as it passes behind the knee. It's located in the popliteal fossa (the hollow behind the knee).
• What are the anterior and posterior tibial arteries?
  • The popliteal artery divides into the anterior tibial and posterior tibial arteries below the knee. The anterior tibial artery supplies the anterior compartment of the leg and becomes the dorsalis pedis artery on the foot. The posterior tibial artery supplies the posterior compartment of the leg and the plantar aspect of the foot.
• What is the dorsalis pedis artery?
  • The dorsalis pedis artery is a continuation of the anterior tibial artery on the foot. It is located on the dorsum (top) of the foot and is commonly used to assess circulation in the lower limb.

Conclusion

Understanding the arterial system is crucial for anyone in the healthcare field, and even for those interested in maintaining their own health. By learning the location, function, and key branches of the major arteries, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate network that keeps us alive and functioning. Remember to use visual aids, mnemonic devices, and practice palpating pulse points to reinforce your knowledge. Continued learning and review will solidify your understanding of this vital aspect of human anatomy.