Major Arteries and Veins

Flashcards of key arteries and veins.

Aorta

Main artery system.

Aortic Arch

Takes blood from the left ventricle of the heart;

sends blood to the head, neck, and arms via its three main branches.

Brachiocephalic artery

sends blood to Right arm and right head/neck.

Thoracic Aorta

Takes blood from the aortic arch;

sends blood to organs in the chest (lungs, esophagus, intercostal muscles).

Abdominal Aorta

Takes blood from the thoracic aorta;

sends blood to abdominal organs and splits into common iliac arteries.

Common Iliac Arteries

Takes blood from the abdominal aorta;

sends blood to internal and external iliac arteries.

External Iliac Arteries

Takes blood from common iliac arteries;

sends blood to the legs which becomes the femoral artery.

Internal Iliac Arteries

Takes blood from common iliac arteries;

sends blood to pelvic organs (e.g., bladder, reproductive organs).

Common Iliac Veins

Collect blood from the internal and external iliac veins

sends blood to the inferior vena cava.

External Iliac Veins

Collect blood from the legs

sends blood to the common iliac veins.

Internal Iliac Veins

Collect blood from pelvic organs

; sends blood to the common iliac veins.

Superior Vena Cava

Collects blood from the head, neck, and upper limbs; empties into the right atrium.

Inferior Vena Cava

Collects blood from the lower limbs and abdomen; empties into the right atrium.

External Jugular Vein

Drains blood from the face and scalp;

empties into the subclavian vein then brachiocephalic vein.

Internal Jugular Vein

Drains blood from the brain;

empties into the brachiocephalic vein.

Brachiocephalic Artery

Only on the right side;

takes blood from the aortic arch;

sends blood to the right common carotid artery and right subclavian artery.

Brachiocephalic Veins (left and right)

Collect blood from the internal jugular and subclavian veins;

send blood to the superior vena cava.