Major Arteries of the Body

The Heart and Aorta

• Aorta: Major vessel from the heart.
  • Ascending Aorta
  • Aortic Arch
  • Descending (Thoracic) Aorta
• First Branches: Right and left coronary arteries supply the heart.

Aortic Arch Branches

• Brachiocephalic Artery (Trunk): Only one, unlike veins. Supplies the right side.
  • Right Common Carotid Artery
    • Branches into the external and internal carotid arteries.
  • Right Subclavian Artery
    • Becomes the axillary artery, then the brachial artery.
      • Radial Artery: Thumb side.
      • Ulnar Artery: Little finger side.
      • Palmar Arches: Contribute to digital arteries.
• Left Common Carotid Artery
  • Branches into left external and internal carotid arteries.
• Left Subclavian Artery
  • Becomes axillary then brachial, branching into radial and ulnar arteries.

Abdominal Aorta and its Branches

• Abdominal Aorta: After passing through the diaphragm.
• Celiac Trunk: Supplies upper abdominal organs.
  • Splenic Artery: To spleen.
  • Left Gastric Artery: To stomach.
  • Common Hepatic Artery: To liver.
• Superior Mesenteric Artery: To right side of intestines.
• Inferior Mesenteric Arteries: To left side of intestines.
• Renal Arteries: Right and left, supply kidneys.
• Common Iliac Arteries: Right and left, branch into internal and external iliac arteries.

Leg Arteries

• External Iliac Artery: Becomes femoral artery after the inguinal ligament.
  • Femoral Artery: Superficial in the groin, becomes deep further down.
  • Deep Femoral Artery: First branch of the femoral artery.
  • Popliteal Artery: In the knee's popliteal fossa.
    • Posterior Tibial Artery: Behind the tibia.
    • Anterior Tibial Artery: In front of the tibia.
      • Peroneal (Fibular) Artery: Also known as the fibular artery.
  • Dorsal Pedal Artery (Dorsalis Pedis): Top of the foot.

These notes summarize the primary arteries discussed and their paths, emphasizing key branches and their anatomical significance.