Overview
This lecture covers the major arteries and veins of the human body, describing their pathways, branches, and functions in blood circulation.
Arterial System: Major Arteries
- The pulmonary arteries carry blood from the heart to the lungs.
- The aorta is the largest artery and can be divided into the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta.
- Major branches of the aorta include coronary arteries, brachiocephalic, left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries.
- The descending aorta gives rise to the thoracic and abdominal aorta.
- The abdominal aorta branches into right and left renal arteries (to kidneys) and right and left common iliac arteries.
Arterial System: Major Branches to Regions
- The brachiocephalic artery branches into the right subclavian and the right common carotid arteries.
- The common carotid arteries diverge into external and internal carotid arteries.
- Subclavian arteries become axillary (chest wall), then brachial (upper arm), then ulnar (ulna side) and radial (radius side) arteries.
- The radial artery at the wrist is used for taking the radial pulse.
- Abdominal aorta splits into right and left common iliac arteries, each dividing into internal (pelvis) and external (main lower limb supply) iliac arteries.
- External iliac artery becomes femoral (thigh), then popliteal (knee), and then anterior and posterior tibial arteries (lower leg).
Venous System: Pathways and Major Veins
- Veins return blood to the heart and often parallel arteries with similar names.
- Pulmonary veins carry blood from the lungs to the heart.
- Superior vena cava and inferior vena cava drain into the right atrium.
Venous System: Veins by Region
- External jugular veins (R & L) drain face, scalp, superficial neck; internal jugular veins (R & L) drain brain and deep face/neck.
- Jugular veins drain into subclavian veins, then brachiocephalic veins, forming the superior vena cava.
- Arm veins (radial, ulnar, brachial, axillary, subclavian, brachiocephalic) mostly parallel their respective arteries.
- Renal veins (kidneys) and hepatic veins (liver) drain into the inferior vena cava.
- Leg veins (anterior/posterior tibial, popliteal, femoral, external/internal/common iliac) follow arterial counterparts.
- The great saphenous vein is the body's longest vein, running up the medial leg and joining the femoral vein.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Aorta — The largest artery in the body, carrying blood from the heart to systemic circulation.
- Common Carotid Artery — Major artery supplying blood to the head and neck.
- Subclavian Artery — Supplies blood to the arms, becoming axillary and then brachial arteries.
- Radial Pulse — Pulse felt at the wrist, over the radial artery.
- Vena Cava — Large veins (superior and inferior) returning blood to the right atrium.
- Jugular Vein — Veins draining blood from the head and neck.
- Great Saphenous Vein — The longest vein, running the length of the lower limb.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review diagrams of the arterial and venous systems to reinforce anatomical pathways.
- Memorize the main branches and regions supplied by major arteries and veins.
- Practice labeling arteries and veins on blank diagrams as study prep.