Introduction to Cardiovascular anatomy

function of circulatory system

• deliver O₂ and nutrients to cells for respiration

• remove CO₂ and waste from cells

systems within double circulatory systems

• pulmonary

• systemic

functional parts of circulatory system

• conducting→ veins and arteries

• exchnage→ capillaries

great vessels

• aorta→ to body

• superior/inferior vena cava→ from body

• pulmonary artery→ to lungs

• pulmonary veins→ from lungs

sections of aorta

• ascending aorta

• arch of aorta

• descending aorta (thoracic/abdominal)

types of arteries branching from descending aorta

• paired arteries to body walls (posterior intercostal arteries)

• paired arteries to organs (renal arteries to kidneys)

• unpaired arteries to GIT (coeliac trunk)

collateral circulation-coarctation of aorta

• right and left internal thoracic arteries (branching from subclavian arteries)

• anterior intercostal arteries branching from thoracic arteries

• posterior intercostal arteries branching from descending aorta

path of blood in collateral circulation

arch of aorta→ subclavian artery→ internal thoracic→ anterior intercostal artery→ posterior intercostal artery→ descending aorta below level of narrowing

components of superior vena cava

• right brachiocephalic vein:

  • right internal jugular vein

  • right subclavian vein

• left brachiocephalic vein:

  • left internal jugular vein

  • left subclavian vein

coronary circulation

• heart requires its own blood supply

• obtained from coronary arteries→ right and left coronary artery which arise directly from aorta

• these are the functional end→ form anastomoses with nearby vessels but it is insufficient to maintain supply if vessel is blocked

arteries to the limb

• upper limb→ subclavian

• lower limb→ external iliac

veins from the limbs

• upper limb drains via subclavian

• lower limb drains via external iliac

• veins tend to mirror arteries

• deep veins accompany arteries

deep veins

• also referred to as venae comitantes

• accompany their named arteries

• take advantage of arterial contractions to help blood flow back towards the heart

• close relationship helps maintain blood temperature

  • venous blood slightly cooler than arterial blood

right vs left atria

• left has no pectinate muscle

  • pectinate muscle only found in left oracle

right vs left ventricle

• 3 papillary muscles in right, 2 in left

• left ventricular wall is much thicker than right