The Vital Network of Arteries: Delivering Oxygen and Nutrients
Arteries are the blood vessels responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to various parts of the body. After delivering oxygen and essential nutrients, the deoxygenated blood returns to the heart, which then pumps it to the lungs to collect oxygen. This cycle is crucial for maintaining life.
Major Arteries of the Body
Let’s explore the most prominent arteries in our body:
1. Pulmonary Artery: The only artery that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
2. Aorta: The largest artery in the human body, responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
3. Carotid Artery: Supplies oxygenated blood to the head and neck tissues and organs.
4. Subclavian Artery: A paired artery that supplies blood to the upper chest and below the clavicle.
5. Axillary Artery: Found in the armpit, supplying blood to the upper limb.
6. Brachial Artery: Continues from the axillary artery, passing through the elbow, where doctors often check pulse.
7. Radial and Ulnar Arteries: Branch out from the brachial artery, supplying blood to the hands.
8. Descending Aorta: Divides into thoracic and abdominal aorta, supplying blood to the thoracic and abdominal regions.
9. Common Iliac Arteries: Divide into internal and external iliac arteries, supplying blood to the abdominal muscles, reproductive organs, and urinary bladder.
10. Femoral Artery and Extensions: Supplies blood to the lower limbs, branching out into popliteal, anterior tibial, arteria dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial arteries.
Checking Pulse in Major Arteries
Doctors can check pulse in several major arteries, including:
– Carotid artery in the neck
– Brachial artery at the elbow
– Ulnar artery at the wrist
– Dorsalis pedis artery at the ankle
Understanding the network of arteries and their functions can help us appreciate the intricate mechanisms that keep our bodies alive and functioning.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_arteries_of_the_human_body
https://medmovie.com/topic/cvml_0429a/arterial-anatomy/
https://www.webmd.com/heart/picture-of-the-arteries#1
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1898807-overview