Major Blood Vessels and Aorta Branches

Study Notes

Major Blood Vessels

The circulatory system transports gases, nutrients, and removes waste products throughout the body.
It also regulates body temperature and maintains homeostasis
Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels and connect arteries and veins.
Capillaries facilitate gas and molecular exchange between blood and tissues.
Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Veins contain roughly 60% of the body's total blood volume.
Veins rely on skeletal muscle movement and valves to prevent blood backflow.
Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.
Arteries consist of three layers: tunica intima (inner), tunica media (middle), and tunica externa (outer).
These layers provide strength and flexibility to withstand pressure during blood flow.

Aorta Branches

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body.
It originates from the left ventricle and forms an arch that descends into the abdominal region.
The aorta carries oxygenated blood to major structures of the head, chest, and abdomen.
The aorta splits into the left and right common iliac arteries, supplying the lower limbs.

Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic cavity is the space between the neck and the diaphragm.
The ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta branch within the thoracic cavity.
The thoracic aorta provides oxygenated blood to key organs and structures, For example, the left and right internal thoracic arteries, which supply the anterior chest region
Other structures supplied by the thoracic aorta include the esophagus, diaphragm, and lungs

Ascending Aorta

The ascending aorta arises directly from the left ventricle.
It branches into the coronary arteries, supplying oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.
Blockage of these branches can lead to heart disease and increase the risk of a heart attack.

Arch of the Aorta

The aortic arch is a curved portion of the aorta.
It has three major branches:
- The brachiocephalic artery, supplying the right side of the neck, skull, and right arm
- The left common carotid artery, supplying the left side of the neck and skull.
- The left subclavian artery, supplying the left arm

Descending Aorta

Also called the thoracic aorta, it descends through the chest region and into the abdomen.
Its major branches include
- Bronchial arteries, supplying the lungs
- Mediastinal arteries, supplying lymph glands in the chest
- Esophageal arteries, supplying the esophagus
It also supplies blood to muscles of the abdominal wall, diaphragm, and pericardium.

Abdominal Aorta

The section of the aorta located below the diaphragm.
Its main branches are:
- The celiac trunk
- The common iliac arteries
The abdominal aorta supplies blood to the digestive system, reproductive and urinary systems, and lower limbs.

Celiac Trunk

The first major branch of the abdominal aorta.
It supplies blood to the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, spleen, and other digestive organs.
Its branches include
- Left gastric artery, supplying the stomach
- Common hepatic artery, supplying liver, stomach, pancreas, intestines, and gallbladder
- Splenic artery, supplying the stomach and spleen.

Common Iliac Arteries

The terminal branches of the abdominal aorta.
They divide into the left and right common iliac arteries.
These further divide into external and internal iliac arteries, as well as femoral arteries in each leg.
These branches provide the main blood supply for the pelvic organs and lower limbs.

Description

Explore the essential functions of major blood vessels within the circulatory system. This quiz covers the roles of arteries, veins, and capillaries, as well as the structure and significance of the aorta. Test your knowledge on how these vessels maintain homeostasis and transport vital substances throughout the body.