bio 112 - major vessels

A comprehensive vocabulary review of the major anatomical structures, arteries, and veins of the human circulatory system.

Aorta

The main and largest systemic artery in the body, which carries oxygenated blood pumped from the heart to the rest of the systemic circulation.

Superior vena cava

The large vein that collects and returns deoxygenated blood from the upper body, including the head, neck, and upper limbs, directly to the heart.

Inferior vena cava

The large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower extremities, pelvis, and abdominal organs back to the heart.

Carotid artery

A major artery located in the neck that delivers oxygenated blood from the aorta to the head and brain.

Jugular veins

Veins located in the neck that drain deoxygenated blood from the head, brain, and face toward the superior vena cava.

Heart

The central muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body via systemic and pulmonary circulation.

Pulmonary arteries

Vessels that transport deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for gas exchange.

Pulmonary veins

Vessels that transport freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart.

Thoracic aorta

The segment of the aorta descending through the chest cavity (thorax) that branches to supply the chest wall and organs.

Brachial artery

The principal artery supplying oxygenated blood to the upper arm, running along the humerus.

Basilic vein

A prominent superficial vein running along the medial aspect of the arm and forearm that assists in draining blood from the upper limb.

Hepatic artery

The blood vessel that branches from the aorta to supply oxygenated blood directly to the liver.

Gastric artery

A blood vessel branch that supplies oxygenated blood to the stomach.

Gastric vein

A vein that drains blood away from the stomach.

Renal artery

The arterial vessel that branches from the abdominal aorta to supply oxygenated blood directly to each kidney.

Renal veins

The veins that drain filtered, deoxygenated blood from the kidneys into the inferior vena cava.

Iliac artery

A major branch of the lower abdominal aorta that supplies blood to the pelvis and branches into the lower limbs.

Iliac vein

A major vein in the pelvic cavity that collects blood from the lower extremities and pelvis, draining into the inferior vena cava.