Circulatory Routes

Flashcards covering the systemic, pulmonary, and hepatic portal circulatory systems, including major vessels and clinical injection types as described in the lecture.

Systemic circulation

The circulatory route that carries oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to body tissues and removes $CO_2$ and metabolic waste products.

Pulmonary circulation

A short loop running between the heart and the lungs to allow for blood oxygenation.

Coronary system

The blood supply specifically dedicated to the muscle of the heart wall.

Cerebral system

The blood supply to the brain, which includes the blood-brain barrier consisting of tight junctions to control blood flow.

Hepatic portal system

A circulatory route that carries venous blood from gastrointestinal organs to the liver.

Fetal circulation

The exchange of blood between a mother and a fetus through the placenta during pregnancy.

Aorta

The main starting point for all systemic arteries, which branch out to supply the body.

Ascending aorta

The section of the aorta beginning at the aortic valve, approximately $5\,cm$ in length, which gives rise to the right and left coronary arteries.

Sternal angle

Also known as the angle of Lewis, it is the junction where the manubrium and the body of the sternum meet, serving as a landmark for the second rib.

Aortic sinuses

Also known as sinuses of Valsalva, these are anatomical spaces at the aortic root that prevent occlusion of the coronary arteries.

Brachiocephalic artery

The first branch of the aortic arch that supplies blood to both the arm and the head.

Left common carotid artery

An artery branching from the aortic arch that supplies the neck and head; it is often used to measure a pulse.

Left subclavian artery

An artery that sits between the clavicle and the first rib, supplying blood to the left arm.

Circle of Willis

A detailed and complex blood supply network located in the brain.

Thoracic aorta

The section of the aorta located in the thoracic cavity, divided into visceral branches (near organs) and parietal branches (near the body wall).

Abdominal aorta

The portion of the aorta located in the abdominal cavity after it passes through the diaphragm.

Common iliac arteries

The two major divisions at the inferior end of the abdominal aorta that supply the pelvic region and legs.

Femoral artery

A large artery in the thigh often used as an entry point for catheters in keyhole surgeries.

Popliteal artery

An artery located at the back of the knee joint where a pulse can be palpated.

Plantar digital arteries

Small arterial branches that supply blood to the digits (toes) of the foot.

Atrium

A chamber of the heart that acts as an entrance or 'hallway' for blood returning to the heart.

Coronary sinus

A vessel that drains deoxygenated blood from the heart wall back into the right atrium.

Intravenous (IV) injection

An injection delivered directly into a vein for rapid absorption of drugs or fluids.

Intramuscular (IM) injection

An injection delivered into a muscle, such as the deltoid or gluteal muscles (e.g., flu or COVID vaccines).

Subcutaneous injection

An injection administered into the layer just beneath the skin, commonly used for insulin or heparin.

Intradermal injection

An injection given underneath the dermal layer of the skin, typically used for allergy sensitivity or local anesthetic tests.

Jugular veins

The right and left internal and external veins in the neck that correspond to the carotid arteries.

Sinusoids

Large, leaky blood vessels in the liver where oxygenated blood from the hepatic artery and deoxygenated blood from the hepatic portal vein mix.

Alveoli

Small air sacs in the lungs where the offloading of $CO_2$ and picking up of oxygen occurs during gas exchange.

Pulmonary arteries

The only arteries in the body after birth that carry deoxygenated blood, moving it from the right ventricle to the lungs.