Cardiovascular System – Arterial System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the arterial system of the cardiovascular system as discussed in the lecture notes.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to all systemic arteries.

Brachiocephalic trunk

A major branch of the aortic arch that divides into the right subclavian and right common carotid arteries.

Coronary arteries

Branches of the ascending aorta that supply oxygenated blood to the myocardium (heart muscle).

Common carotid arteries

Major arteries that supply blood to the head and neck, dividing into internal and external carotid arteries.

Subclavian arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the upper limbs and can branch off further into other arteries.

Celiac trunk

A major branch of the abdominal aorta that supplies blood to the upper digestive organs.

Renal arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, branching from the abdominal aorta.

Inferior mesenteric artery

Supplies blood to the distal portions of the large intestine.

Femoral artery

The main artery supplying blood to the lower limb, continuing from the external iliac artery.

Dorsalis pedis artery

An artery supplying the dorsum of the foot, continuing from the anterior tibial artery.

Circle of Willis

A structure at the base of the brain that provides alternate pathways for blood to supply the brain.

Pulse point

Locations in the body where the pulse can be felt; key sites include the brachial, radial, femoral, and dorsalis pedis arteries.

Popliteal artery

The artery behind the knee that is a continuation of the femoral artery.

Anatomical term 'descending'

Refers to structures moving downward in the anatomical position.

Aortic arch

The portion of the aorta that curves over the heart, giving rise to major arteries supplying the head and upper limbs.

Tibioperoneal trunk

A branch of the popliteal artery that divides into the posterior tibial and fibular arteries.

Clinical relevance of carotid artery disease

This condition can cause up to one-third of all strokes.

L4 level of the aorta

The point where the abdominal aorta bifurcates into the common iliac arteries.