Blood Vessels (TOTAL)

What are the first three branches of the aortic arch?

Brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, left subclavian artery

What does the celiac trunk supply?

Stomach, liver, spleen, and upper duodenum

What does the descending (thoracic) aorta supply?

Chest wall and thoracic organs

What does the abdominal aorta supply?

Abdominal organs and lower limbs

What are the common iliac arteries?

Arteries that supply blood to the lower limbs and pelvis

What is the hepatic portal system?

Veins that carry blood from digestive organs to the liver before entering the inferior vena cava

What veins form the hepatic portal vein?

Merging of the superior mesenteric and splenic veins

Why do veins have valves?

To prevent backflow of blood due to low pressure

What are structural features of blood vessels from deep to superficial?

Tunica intima, tunica media, tunica externa

What is the general flow pattern of blood through the body?

Heart → arteries → arterioles → capillaries → venules → veins → heart

Three layers of blood vessels

Tunica intima, tunica media, tunica externa

Tunica intima contains

Endothelium, basement membrane, lamina propria, internal elastic membrane

Endothelium function

Provides smooth surface for blood flow

Tunica media

Smooth muscle arranged circularly around vessel

Vasoconstriction

Smooth muscle contracts and decreases blood flow

Vasodilation

Smooth muscle relaxes and increases blood flow

Tunica externa (adventitia)

Connective tissue that merges with surrounding tissues

General blood flow pattern

Heart → Arteries → Arterioles → Capillaries → Venules → Veins → Heart

Aorta exits

Left ventricle

Three sections of the aorta

Ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta

Branches of ascending aorta

Right and left coronary arteries

Three branches of aortic arch

Brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid, left subclavian

Brachiocephalic trunk divides into

Right common carotid and right subclavian arteries

Right common carotid supplies

Right side of head and neck

Right subclavian supplies

Right upper limb

Left common carotid supplies

Left side of head and neck

Left subclavian supplies

Left upper limb

Descending aorta sections

Thoracic aorta and abdominal aorta

Abdominal aorta ends as

Two common iliac arteries

Veins function

Carry blood to the right atrium

Coronary sinus drains

The heart muscle

Superior vena cava drains

Head, neck, thorax, upper limbs

Inferior vena cava drains

Abdomen, pelvis, lower limbs

Hepatic portal system

Moves nutrient-rich blood from digestive organs to liver