Nutrient artery

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Nutrient artery

The nutrient artery is a crucial blood vessel that supplies the long bones of the body with essential nutrients and oxygen. It is a branch of a larger artery, typically the periosteal artery, and enters the bone through a small opening called the nutrient foramen. The nutrient artery is vital for the health and maintenance of bone tissue, particularly during periods of growth and repair.

Anatomy

The nutrient artery typically arises from the periosteal artery, which is a branch of the main artery supplying the region. It enters the bone through the nutrient foramen, which is usually located in the middle third of the diaphysis of long bones. Once inside the bone, the nutrient artery divides into ascending and descending branches that supply the inner two-thirds of the cortex and the bone marrow.

Function

The primary function of the nutrient artery is to provide the bone with essential nutrients and oxygen. This is particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as during childhood and adolescence, as well as during the healing process following a fracture. The nutrient artery also plays a role in the maintenance of bone health by supplying the osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts with the necessary nutrients to perform their functions.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the nutrient artery can have significant implications for bone health. For example, a fracture that disrupts the nutrient artery can lead to avascular necrosis, a condition where the bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. Additionally, surgical procedures involving the long bones must take care to avoid damaging the nutrient artery to prevent complications in bone healing.

See Also

• Periosteal artery
• Diaphysis
• Bone marrow
• Osteocytes
• Osteoblasts
• Osteoclasts
• Avascular necrosis