Perforating arteries

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Perforating arteries are small blood vessels that branch off from larger arteries and penetrate into deeper tissues. These arteries play a crucial role in supplying blood to various structures within the body, including muscles, bones, and organs.

Anatomy and Function

Perforating arteries are typically found in regions where there is a need for deep tissue perfusion. They branch off from major arteries and travel through connective tissues to reach their target areas. These arteries are essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues that are not directly supplied by larger arteries.

Examples of Perforating Arteries

• Perforating branches of the deep femoral artery: These arteries branch from the deep femoral artery and supply blood to the thigh muscles and femur.
• Perforating branches of the internal thoracic artery: These arteries branch from the internal thoracic artery and supply the anterior chest wall and breast tissue.
• Perforating branches of the radial artery: These arteries branch from the radial artery and supply the forearm and hand.

Clinical Significance

Perforating arteries are important in various medical conditions and surgical procedures. For instance, in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the internal thoracic artery and its perforating branches are often used to create a bypass for blocked coronary arteries. Additionally, damage to perforating arteries can lead to complications such as ischemia and necrosis of the tissues they supply.

Related Topics

• Artery
• Blood vessel
• Circulatory system
• Ischemia
• Necrosis

See Also

• Deep femoral artery
• Internal thoracic artery
• Radial artery