Arteries and Veins

These flashcards cover key terms related to the human arterial systems, focusing on the functions and characteristics of these blood vessels.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues.

Arterial System

The network of arteries that transport blood away from the heart.

subclavian artery

A major artery that supplies blood to the arms and some parts of the head and neck, branching from the aorta.

axillary artery

The artery that continues from the subclavian artery and supplies blood to the upper limb.

brachial artery

The major artery of the upper arm, supplying blood to the arm and forearm.

radial artery

The major artery of the forearm, supplying blood to the lateral aspect of the forearm and wrist.

ulnar artery

The major artery of the forearm, supplying blood to the medial aspect of the forearm and hand.

common carotid artery

The major artery supplying blood to the head and neck, branching into the internal and external carotid arteries.

celaic trunk

The major artery that supplies blood to the stomach, spleen, and liver, branching into three main arteries: the left gastric, splenic, and common hepatic arteries.

renal artery

The artery that supplies blood to the kidneys, branching from the abdominal aorta.

superior mesenteric artery

The artery that supplies blood to the small intestine and part of the large intestine, branching from the abdominal aorta.

inferior mesenteric artery

The artery that supplies blood to the distal part of the colon and rectum, branching from the abdominal aorta.

gonadal artery

The artery that supplies blood to the gonads (ovaries in females, testes in males), branching from the abdominal aorta.

common iliac artery

The artery formed by the branching of the abdominal aorta, which supplies blood to the pelvis and lower limbs.

internal iliac artery

The artery that branches from the common iliac artery to supply blood to the pelvic region and its organs, including the bladder, reproductive organs, and gluteal muscles.

external iliac artery

The artery that branches from the common iliac artery to supply blood to the lower limb, becoming the femoral artery as it passes under the inguinal ligament.

femoral artery

The major artery of the thigh that supplies blood to the lower limb, continuing from the external iliac artery as it passes beneath the inguinal ligament.

popliteal artery

The artery located at the back of the knee that continues from the femoral artery and supplies blood to the lower leg and foot.

anterior tibial artery

The artery that branches from the popliteal artery to supply blood to the anterior compartment of the leg and continues into the foot.

arcuate artery

A branch of the dorsalis pedis artery, the arcuate artery supplies blood to the foot's dorsal side and helps form the arterial arch.

external jugular vein

A major vein that drains blood from the face and neck and returns it to the subclavian vein.

internal jugular vein

A major vein that collects blood from the brain, face, and neck, draining into the subclavian vein.

subclavian vein

A major vein that carries blood from the arms and some neck structures back to the heart, merging with the internal jugular vein to form the brachiocephalic vein.

axillary vein

A vein that receives blood from the upper limb and drains into the subclavian vein.

brachial vein

A major vein that carries blood from the arm and forearm, merging into the axillary vein.

axillary vein

A vein located in the armpit area that collects blood from the upper limb and drains into the subclavian vein.

brachial vein

The major vein responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the arm and forearm, it merges with the axillary vein.

hepatic portal vein

A major vein that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver, allowing for nutrient processing.

renal vein

A vein that carries blood away from the kidneys to the inferior vena cava.

hepatic portal vein

Vein that transports blood from the intestines and spleen to the liver for detoxification and nutrient absorption.

renal vein

A major vein that drains blood from the kidneys and transports it to the inferior vena cava.

superior mesenteric vein

A vein that drains blood from the small intestine and parts of the large intestine to the hepatic portal vein.

inferior mesenteric vein

A vein that drains blood from the distal part of the large intestine and rectum into the hepatic portal vein.

common iliac vein

A vein that drains blood from the pelvis and lower limbs into the inferior vena cava, formed by the union of the internal and external iliac veins.

femoral vein

A major vein that drains blood from the thigh and continues as the external iliac vein.

great saphenous vein

The longest vein in the body, it runs along the length of the leg, draining blood from the superficial structures of the lower limb into the femoral vein.