Distributing artery

General Information
Latin	arteria muscularis
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System
Artery
Vein	Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

A distributing artery, also known as a muscular artery, is a type of artery that is responsible for distributing blood to various parts of the body. These arteries are characterized by a higher proportion of smooth muscle in their tunica media compared to elastic arteries.

Structure

Distributing arteries have a well-defined tunica media that contains a significant amount of smooth muscle fibers. This structure allows them to regulate blood flow by changing their diameter through vasoconstriction and vasodilation. The tunica intima is the innermost layer, lined with endothelial cells, while the tunica adventitia is the outermost layer, providing structural support.

Function

The primary function of distributing arteries is to deliver blood to specific organs and tissues. They play a crucial role in the circulatory system by adjusting their diameter to control the amount of blood flow to different areas of the body, depending on the body's needs.

Examples

Examples of distributing arteries include the brachial artery, femoral artery, and coronary arteries. These arteries are vital for supplying blood to the arms, legs, and heart, respectively.

Clinical significance

Distributing arteries can be affected by various cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, which can lead to reduced blood flow and ischemia. Understanding the structure and function of these arteries is important for diagnosing and treating such conditions.

See also

• Elastic artery
• Arteriole
• Vein
• Vasoconstriction
• Vasodilation

References

Keith L.,

 Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 
  
 Wolters Kluwer, 
 2018, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-1496347213,

Smith, John D.,

 The Role of Arteries in the Circulatory System, 
 Journal of Vascular Medicine, 
 2020, 
 Vol. 15(Issue: 3), 
 pp. 123-130,