Major Blood Vessels Overview

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary concerning the major blood vessels and their functions, including both arteries and veins, as discussed in the lecture.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, which distributes blood to the systemic circulation.

Brachiocephalic Artery

The artery that branches off the aorta and divides into the right common carotid and right subclavian arteries.

Right Common Carotid

The artery supplying blood to the right side of the head and neck.

Subclavian Artery

The artery supplying blood to the upper limb; differs in origin on the right and left side.

Axillary Artery

Continuation of the subclavian artery as it passes through the axilla.

Brachial Artery

Continuation of the axillary artery supplying blood to the arm.

Deep Brachial Artery

Artery branching from the brachial artery that supplies the posterior compartment of the arm.

Radial Artery

Terminal branch of the brachial artery that runs along the radius in the forearm.

Ulnar Artery

Terminal branch of the brachial artery running along the ulnar side of the forearm.

Palmar Arch

Arterial networks that supply the palm of the hand, formed by branches of the radial and ulnar arteries.

Basilic Vein

Superficial vein on the medial side of the upper limb, collecting blood from the hand and forearm.

Cephalic Vein

Superficial vein on the lateral side of the upper limb, collecting blood from the upper arm.

Median Cubital Vein

The vein connecting the basilic and cephalic veins in the cubital fossa.

Axillary Vein

Formed by the merging of the basilic vein and brachial veins, drains back to the heart.

Subclavian Vein

Vein formed by the convergence of the internal jugular and axillary veins.

Common Iliac Arteries

Terminal branches of the abdominal aorta, dividing into internal and external iliac arteries.

Internal Iliac Artery

Artery supplying blood to the pelvic viscera.

External Iliac Artery

Artery supplying blood to the lower limb as it passes below the inguinal ligament.

Femoral Artery

Continuation of the external iliac artery supplying blood to the thigh.

Popliteal Artery

Continuation of the femoral artery behind the knee.

Anterior Tibial Artery

Branch of the popliteal artery supplying the anterior compartment of the leg.

Posterior Tibial Artery

Branch of the popliteal artery supplying the posterior compartment of the leg.

Dorsal Venous Arch

Venous plexus in the foot that gives rise to the superficial veins.

Greater Saphenous Vein

Superficial vein that drains into the femoral vein, running along the medial side of the lower limb.

Portal System

Venous system collecting blood from the digestive organs below the diaphragm for processing by the liver.

Hepatic Portal Vein

Vein formed by the convergence of the splenic, inferior mesenteric, and superior mesenteric veins.

Esophageal Varicosis

Rupture of veins in the esophagus due to increased pressure in the portal system.

Hemorrhoid

Rupture of veins in the anal canal, often associated with increased pressure in the portal system.