Lecture on Arteries and Veins

Major Blood Vessels and Pathways

Vertebral Arteries

• Origin: Comes after the common carotid on the subclavian artery.
• Pathway: Ascends through the vertebrae into the brain through the foramen magnum.
• Features: Travels through foramen in the transverse processes of cervical vertebrae.

Subclavian to Axillary Artery

• Subclavian Transition: Becomes axillary artery in the axilla.
• Progression:
  • Brachial Artery: As it travels down the arm.
  • Branches into Radial and Ulnar Arteries: Approximately 1 cm below the elbow.

Aorta and its Branches

• Ascending and Arch: Followed by Descending Aorta.
• Thoracic Aorta: Above the diaphragm.
  • Branches: Esophageal, intercostals, and bronchial arteries.
• Abdominal Aorta: Below the diaphragm.
  • Unpaired Branches:
    • Celiac Artery: Supplies liver, stomach, spleen, pancreas.
    • Superior Mesenteric: Supplies small intestine and part of the large intestine.
    • Inferior Mesenteric: Supplies rest of the large intestine and rectum.
  • Paired Branches:
    • Renal Arteries: Supply the kidneys.
    • Gonadal Arteries: Ovarian or testicular arteries.
• Division at L4: Into two common iliac arteries, each dividing into internal and external iliacs.

Iliac to Femoral Artery

• Landmarks: Transition at the inguinal ligament.
• Femoral Artery: Continues down the thigh.
• Popliteal Artery: At the posterior knee.
• Tibial Arteries:
  • Anterior and Posterior Tibial Arteries: Supply the lower leg and foot.

Veins and Circulation

General Features

• Characteristics of Veins:
  • Thinner walls, larger lumens than arteries.
  • Presence of valves to aid blood return in extremities.
• Blood Return Paths:
  • Lower Body: Inferior vena cava.
  • Upper Body: Superior vena cava.

Venous Sinuses of the Brain

• Pathway:
  • Blood drains from veins into venous sinuses between layers of dura mater.
  • Exits into the internal jugular vein.
• Key Sinuses:
  • Superior Longitudinal Sinus
  • Inferior Longitudinal Sinus
  • Straight Sinus
  • Transverse Sinus
  • Sigmoid Sinus
  • Cavernous Sinus: Located lateral to the sella turcica.

Veins of Extremities

• Upper Extremity:
  • Median Cubital Vein: Common site for blood withdrawal.
• Lower Extremity:
  • Deep Femoral Vein: Can be affected by phlebitis.
  • Saphenous Vein: Longest vein, used in bypass surgeries.

Clinical Considerations

Aneurysms and Surgeries

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Swelling below renals.
• Bypass Surgery: Use of saphenous vein.

Venous Return and Health

• Valves: Critical for returning blood from extremities.
• Exercise: Promotes healthy vein function through muscle contractions.

Visual Aids

• Slides Overview:
  • Diagrams of arteries and veins.
  • Micrographs showing structure of veins, arteries, and their valves.
  • Specific examples with pathological conditions like Alzheimer's showing blood vessel leaks.

This lecture covered the foundational understanding of the arterial and venous systems, focusing on pathways, anatomical landmarks, and clinical relevance including surgical implications.