PVS

Aorta

The largest artery that carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body.

Ascending Aorta

The section of the aorta that extends from the left ventricle.

Aortic Arch

The curved part of the aorta that gives rise to major arteries including the brachiocephalic trunk.

Descending Aorta

The part of the aorta divided into thoracic and abdominal sections.

Coronary Arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.

Carotid Arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the head and neck.

Subclavian Arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the arms.

Femoral Artery

An artery that supplies blood to the thigh and leg.

Popliteal Artery

An artery located behind the knee.

Tibial Arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the lower leg and foot.

Superior Vena Cava

A vein that drains deoxygenated blood from the upper body into the right atrium.

Inferior Vena Cava

A vein that drains deoxygenated blood from the lower body into the right atrium.

Jugular Veins

Veins that drain blood from the head and neck.

Subclavian Veins

Veins that drain blood from the arms.

Femoral Vein

A vein that drains blood from the thigh.

Popliteal Vein

A vein that drains blood from the knee area.

Tibial Veins

Veins that drain blood from the lower legs.

Venous Flow

The process of blood returning to the heart through veins, assisted by muscle contractions and valves.

Muscle Pump

The mechanism where skeletal muscle contractions compress veins to help move blood toward the heart.

Valves

Structures in veins that prevent backflow and ensure unidirectional blood flow.

Respiratory Pump

The mechanism where changes in thoracic pressure during breathing assist in drawing blood back to the heart.

Ischemia

A condition of reduced blood flow to a tissue, leading to oxygen and nutrient deficiency.

Pre-Tibial Edema

Swelling in the lower legs above the ankles due to fluid accumulation.

Pitting Edema

Swelling that retains an indentation after pressure is applied, rated from 1+ to 4+ based on severity.

Varicose Veins

Enlarged, twisted veins often caused by valve failure and increased venous pressure.

Arterial Pulses

The assessment of pulse strength rated from 0 (absent) to 4 (bounding).

The 5 Ps

Key signs of arterial insufficiency:Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paralysis, Paresthesia.

Arterial Insufficiency

A condition leading to ischemia and ulceration, often with pale, cool, and dry skin.

Venous Insufficiency

A condition causing blood pooling, leading to skin changes like discoloration and swelling.

Venous Stasis Ulcer

An ulcer typically located around the ankles with irregular edges and symptoms such as aching or heaviness in the legs

Arterial Ulcer

An ulcer often found on toes or heels, characterized by well-defined edges and severe pain.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A condition assessed by signs like swelling,pain,and warmth in the affected leg, with risk factors including immobility.

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)

A test comparing blood pressure in the ankle and arm to assess arterial insufficiency.

Thoracic Duct

A lymphatic duct that drains lymph from the lower body and left side of the upper body into the left subclavian vein

Right Lymphatic Duct

A lymphatic duct that drains lymph from the right side of the upper body into the right subclavian vein

Spleen

An organ that filters blood and helps fight infections.

Thymus

An organ that develops T-cells critical for the immune response.

Bone Marrow

The tissue that produces blood cells, including lymphocytes.

Lymphedema

Swelling due to lymphatic obstruction or damage, resulting in fluid accumulation in the tissues

Inguinal Nodes

Lymph nodes located in the groin that drain the lower limbs and pelvis.

Axillary Nodes

Lymph nodes located in the armpit that drain the upper limbs and chest and parts of the back

Epitrochlear Nodes

Lymph nodes located above the elbow that drain parts of the forearm and hand.

risks with DVT

prolonged immobility, surgery, trauma and conditions like cancer or pregnancy

DVT scoring

use tools like the wells score to assess risk