List of arteries in the body

List of Arteries in the Body

The human body is a complex network of organs and systems, with the circulatory system playing a crucial role in maintaining life by delivering oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to all parts of the body. Central to this system are the arteries, which are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. This article provides an overview of the major arteries in the body, categorized by the regions they supply.

Cerebral Arteries

The cerebral arteries supply blood to the brain. The main arteries in this category include:

• Internal carotid artery: Divides into the anterior cerebral artery and the middle cerebral artery, supplying the front and middle parts of the brain.
• Vertebral arteries: Merge to form the basilar artery, which then divides into the posterior cerebral arteries, supplying the back part of the brain.

Coronary Arteries

The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle itself. They include:

• Left coronary artery (LCA): Divides into the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the circumflex artery.
• Right coronary artery (RCA): Supplies the right side of the heart and divides into smaller branches.

Pulmonary Arteries

The pulmonary arteries are unique as they carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. They include:

• Main pulmonary artery: Divides into the left and right pulmonary arteries, corresponding to each lung.

Systemic Arteries

The systemic arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. They include:

• Aorta: The largest artery in the body, which branches into the thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta.
  • Thoracic aorta: Gives rise to various branches supplying the chest wall and organs within the thorax.
  • Abdominal aorta: Extends from the diaphragm to the lower abdomen, giving off branches to the abdominal organs and lower body.

Branches of the Abdominal Aorta

• Celiac trunk: Supplies the liver, stomach, and spleen.
• Superior mesenteric artery: Supplies the small intestine and part of the large intestine.
• Inferior mesenteric artery: Supplies the lower part of the large intestine.
• Renal arteries: Supply the kidneys.
• Gonadal arteries: Supply the testes in males and the ovaries in females.

Limb Arteries

The arteries of the limbs supply blood to the upper and lower extremities. They include:

• Subclavian artery: Becomes the axillary artery in the armpit, then the brachial artery in the upper arm, and finally divides into the radial artery and ulnar artery in the forearm.
• Common iliac artery: Divides into the internal iliac artery and the external iliac artery, the latter of which becomes the femoral artery in the thigh. The femoral artery then gives rise to the popliteal artery behind the knee, which further divides into the anterior tibial artery and posterior tibial artery in the lower leg.

Conclusion

The arteries of the human body form an intricate network that is vital for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. Understanding the major arteries and their branches is crucial for comprehending the circulatory system's role in health and disease.