Caudal artery

Caudal Artery

Diagram of the arterial system, showing the caudal artery (labeled as 'arteria caudalis') at the lower part of the body.

The Caudal Artery is a significant blood vessel in many animals, including humans. It is responsible for supplying blood to the lower (caudal) part of the body. The term "caudal" is derived from the Latin word 'cauda', meaning 'tail', and is used in anatomical nomenclature to refer to the tail-end of the body.

Structure

The caudal artery originates from the abdominal aorta, the main and largest artery in the body. It extends towards the lower part of the body, branching out to supply blood to the pelvic region, perineum, and the lower limbs.

Function

The primary function of the caudal artery is to transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the lower parts of the body. This includes the pelvic organs, the perineum, and the lower limbs.

Clinical significance

Understanding the anatomy and function of the caudal artery is crucial in various medical procedures and treatments, such as angiography, angioplasty, and in the management of conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease.

See also

• Arterial system
• Abdominal aorta
• Peripheral Artery Disease