Circulatory System II Quiz

Circulatory System II

• Venules have the lowest pressure
• Cardiac/Gas Exchange is a major function

Great Vessels

• The aorta is the largest artery
• The aorta originates from the left ventricle and initially moves upward, then curves downward.
• The aorta divides into ascending, aortic arch, and descending aorta.
• Descending aorta divides into thoracic and abdominal aortas based on location.
• Branches of the aorta supply blood to various parts of the body, including the lungs.

Major Arteries of the Aortic Arch

• The aortic arch curves to the left and superior to the heart.
• The aortic arch gives off three major arteries in this order:
  • Brachiocephalic trunk
  • Left common carotid artery
  • Left subclavian artery
• These branch off further into other arteries.

Arteries of the Upper Extremity

• The subclavian artery is the upper extremity's artery.
• It continues as the axillary artery, and then the brachial artery.
• The brachial artery terminates and divides into two branches: the ulnar and radial arteries.

Terminal Branches of the Aorta

• The aorta terminates by giving off two terminal branches at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4), called the common iliac arteries.
• This splitting is known as aortic bifurcation.
• The common iliac arteries further divide into the internal and external iliac arteries.
• Internal iliac arteries supply organs in the pelvis.
• External iliac arteries continue as femoral arteries and supply the lower extremities.

Arteries of the Lower Extremity

• Femoral artery goes to the back of the knee becoming the popliteal artery.
• The popliteal artery provides anterior and posterior branches that supply blood to the knee area.

Veins of the Upper Limb

• Superficial veins are closer to the skin's surface; deep veins lie deeper, alongside arteries.
• Radial and ulnar veins merge to form the brachial vein.
• The brachial vein transitions to the axillary vein, located under the clavicle (collarbone).
• Arteries and veins often share the same names for easier memorization.

Veins of Lower Limb

• Deep veins in the lower limb, such as anterior and posterior tibial, and fibular veins, ultimately drain into the popliteal vein.
• The popliteal vein continues into the femoral vein in the thigh region.
• Superficial veins, like the great saphenous and small saphenous veins, contribute to venous return from the lower limb.

Intravenous Injection

• Intravenous injection processes and considerations are highlighted.
• Correct injection angle is critical.