Arteries of the thorax

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Arteries of the Thorax refers to the network of blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the thorax, the region of the body between the neck and the abdomen. This network includes several major arteries and numerous smaller branches.

Major Arteries[edit | edit source]

The major arteries of the thorax include the aorta, the pulmonary arteries, and the coronary arteries.

Aorta[edit | edit source]

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and extends down to the abdomen. In the thorax, the aorta is divided into the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending thoracic aorta.

Pulmonary Arteries[edit | edit source]

The pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. There are two pulmonary arteries: the right and the left, each supplying its respective lung.

Coronary Arteries[edit | edit source]

The coronary arteries are the main blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygenated blood. They originate from the ascending aorta and are divided into the left and right coronary arteries.

Minor Arteries[edit | edit source]

The minor arteries of the thorax include the bronchial, esophageal, and pericardial arteries, among others. These arteries branch off from the aorta or its major branches and supply the various organs and tissues within the thorax.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Diseases and conditions affecting the arteries of the thorax can have serious consequences, including heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Diagnosis and treatment of these conditions often involve procedures such as angiography, angioplasty, and bypass surgery.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]



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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD