CH6 Part I

Vascular Plexus

A large network of blood vessels within the vascular system.

Anastomosis

A connecting channel(s) among blood vessels.

Tunica Externa

The outer connective tissue layer of a blood vessel.

Tunica Media

The middle smooth muscle layer of a blood vessel.

Tunica Intima

The inner endothelium that lines the blood vessels.

Artery

A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.

Arteriole

A small diameter artery that branches into capillaries.

Capillary Network

A network of small blood vessels for exchange of materials between blood and tissue cells.

Vein

A blood vessel that carries blood to the heart.

Superficial Veins

Veins located immediately deep to the skin.

Venous Sinuses

Blood-filled spaces between two layers of tissue.

Common Carotid Artery

An artery that travels superiorly along the neck to supply blood to the head and neck.

Subclavian Artery

An artery that supplies blood to the upper extremity and parts of the neck.

Lingual Artery

An artery that supplies structures superior to the hyoid bone including the tongue.

Facial Artery

An artery that supplies blood to the face in various regions.

Maxillary Artery

The largest terminal branch of the external carotid artery that supplies the maxillary region.

Anterior Superior Alveolar Artery

An artery that supplies the pulp of the maxillary anterior teeth.

Inferior Alveolar Artery

An artery that supplies the lower jaw and teeth.

Mental Artery

An artery that supplies the chin and exits the mandibular canal.

Nasopalatine Branch

A branch of the sphenopalatine artery that supplies the anterior hard palate.