Anatomy of the Human Blood Vessels

Comprehensive practice flashcards based on the cardiovascular system lecture, covering vessel classification, general histology, major arterial branches such as the aorta and carotid systems, and venous drainage including the azygos system.

What are the three core components of the cardiovascular system?

The heart, blood vessels, and blood.

In which specific type of blood vessel does gas exchange, nutrient delivery, and waste pickup occur?

Capillaries.

What is the structural characteristic of a capillary that allows for exchange between plasma and interstitial fluid?

They have a single layer of endothelial lining with a basement membrane.

According to diameter, how is the macrovasculature defined?

$$> 0.1\,mm$$

How is the microvasculature defined in terms of diameter?

$$< 0.1\,mm$$

What are the three layers that compose the wall of an artery or vein?

1. Tunica interna (intima), 2. Tunica media, and 3. Tunica externa (adventitia).

Which layer of the blood vessel is responsible for controlling blood pressure through vasoconstriction and vasodilation?

Tunica media (composed of smooth muscle and elastic tissue).

Which layer is the main (dominant) layer in arteries versus veins?

In arteries, the main layer is the Tunica media; in veins, it is the Tunica adventitia.

At what level of the vascular tree do vasoconstriction and vasodilation primarily occur?

Arterioles.

What is the term for small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the walls of larger vessels?

Vasa Vasorum.

What is the specific name for the small vessels that supply large nerves like the sciatic nerve?

Vasa nervosum.

What is an Arteriovenous Shunt and what is its primary function?

A direct bypass from an artery to a vein found in cold-sensitive areas (skin, hands, legs, ears, nose) used to regulate body temperature.

Describe the vascular pathway of a Portal System.

Capillary $\rightarrow$ Vein $\rightarrow$ Capillary.

Into which three divisions is the Aorta categorized?

1. Ascending aorta, 2. Aortic arch, and 3. Descending aorta (thoracic and abdominal).

What are the two primary branches of the Ascending Aorta?

Right coronary artery (RCA) and Left coronary artery (LCA).

Which branch of the Left Coronary Artery is most commonly affected in coronary artery disease?

Anterior interventricular artery (LAD).

What are the three branches originating from the superior aspect of the Aortic arch from right to left?

1. Brachiocephalic trunk, 2. Left common carotid artery, and 3. Left subclavian artery.

At what vertebral level does the Common Carotid Artery (CCA) bifurcate into the ICA and ECA?

$C3-C4$ (at the superior border of the thyroid cartilage).

How does the External carotid artery (ECA) terminate?

By dividing into the Maxillary artery and the Superficial Temporal artery.

Which major artery supplying the brain is notably NOT part of the Circle of Willis?

Middle cerebral artery.

Through which cervical vertebrae does the vertebral artery pass?

$C6$ to $C1$ (it does not pass through $C7$).

Which artery passes parallel to the sternum and supplies the first six intercostal spaces?

Internal thoracic artery.

What are the two terminal branches of the Brachial artery at the cubital fossa?

Radial artery and Ulnar artery.

What are the three unpaired anterior branches of the Abdominal Aorta?

Celiac trunk, Superior mesenteric artery, and Inferior mesenteric artery.

Where does the Abdominal Aorta terminate and what are its three terminal branches?

At the level of the $L4$ vertebra; it divides into the Left common iliac artery, Right common iliac artery, and Medial sacral artery.

What are the embryological boundaries and blood supply of the midgut?

It extends from the upper part of the duodenum to the proximal $\frac{2}{3}$ of the transverse colon and is supplied by the superior mesenteric artery.

What is the first step in managing a penetrating trauma to the femoral artery in the femoral triangle?

Compression over the inguinal ligament.

How is the Superior Vena Cava (SVC) formed?

By the union of the Right and Left Brachiocephalic veins.

Name the two superficial veins of the upper limb and their drainage points.

1. Cephalic Vein (lateral, drains to axillary vein) and 2. Basilic vein (medial, drains to brachial vein).

Where do the Great saphenous vein and Small saphenous vein drain, respectively?

Great saphenous drains into the Femoral vein; Small saphenous drains into the Popliteal vein.

Which vein of the Azygos system is located in the left lower thorax?

Hemiazygos vein.