Arteries in The Body

Arteries of The Body

Arteries are a type of Blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich Blood away from the heart and towards other parts of the body. The Circulatory System, of which Arteries are a part, is responsible for transporting Blood, nutrients and oxygen to various tissues and organs throughout the body.

The Circulatory System is made up of the heart, Blood vessels and Blood. The heart is a muscular organ that pumps Blood through the Circulatory System. Blood vessels are the tubes through which Blood flows and they include Arteries, veins and capillaries. Blood is the fluid that carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Arteries are thick-walled Blood vessels that are designed to withstand the high pressure of Blood being pumped out of the heart. They are lined with a smooth layer of cells called endothelium, which helps keep the Blood flowing smoothly and prevents clots from forming. Arteries have a muscular layer that allows them to contract and expand, which helps regulate Blood pressure and Blood flow.

Arteries and the Circulatory System

Arteries are Blood vessels that carry Blood away from the heart to different parts of the body. The Circulatory System, which consists of the heart, Blood vessels and Blood, plays a critical role in maintaining the body’s overall health and well-being. The Circulatory System has two distinct pathways through which Arteries carry Blood away from the heart:

  1. The Systemic Circuit
  2. The Pulmonary Circuit.
Arteries of The Body
The Systemic Circuit The Pulmonary Circuit.

Systemic Circuit

The Systemic Circuit is responsible for carrying oxygen-rich Blood away from the heart and toward the tissues of the body. Oxygen-rich Blood leaves the heart through the left ventricle, which pumps the Blood into the aorta. The aorta is the largest Artery in the body and it branches into smaller Arteries, which carry the oxygen-rich Blood to different parts of the body. The oxygen is then exchanged for carbon dioxide in the body tissues and the oxygen-depleted Blood is returned to the heart through the veins.

Also Check – Difference between Double Circulation and Single Circulation

Pulmonary Circuit  

The Pulmonary Circuit is responsible for carrying oxygen-depleted Blood away from the heart and into the lungs where it can acquire fresh oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. Oxygen-depleted Blood enters the right atrium of the heart through the superior and inferior vena cava. From the right atrium, the Blood is pumped into the right ventricle. The right ventricle then pumps the oxygen-depleted Blood into the Pulmonary Artery. The Pulmonary Artery carries the Blood to the lungs where it is oxygenated and carbon dioxide is released. The oxygen-rich Blood then returns to the heart through the Pulmonary veins and enters the left atrium.

Arteries are different from other Blood vessels because they have thicker walls and more muscle tissue. This enables them to withstand the high pressure that occurs when the heart pumps Blood into the Arteries. Arteries also have a smooth lining called the endothelium which allows Blood to flow smoothly through them.

The Systemic and Pulmonary Circuits work together to ensure that all parts of the body receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients and to remove waste products. This is critical for the body’s overall health and well-being. However, problems with the Arteries or other parts of the Circulatory System can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke and high Blood pressure.

Also Check – Arteries – Structure , Layers,  Functions

Types of Arteries  

Arteries are the Blood vessels that carry oxygenated Blood away from the heart and transport it to various parts of the body. The size of an Artery is diameter or width, which can vary depending on its location in the body and its function. Arteries can range in size from the large elastic Arteries, such as the aorta, to the small arterioles that connect to the capillaries.

 Arteries  are divided into three main types based on their size, structure and function

  1. Elastic Arteries   
  2. Muscular Arteries 
  3. Arterioles
Arteries in the body
Types of Arteries – Elastic Arteries Muscular Arteries Arterioles

Elastic Arteries   

Elastic Arteries are the largest Arteries in the body and are responsible for carrying Blood away from the heart. These Arteries have a diameter of up to 2.5 cm and are highly elastic due to their high content of elastin in their walls. This elasticity allows these Arteries to expand and contract in response to changes in Blood pressure, helping to maintain steady Blood flow to the rest of the body. Examples of elastic Arteries include the aorta and its major branches. These Arteries are important in maintaining Blood flow and pressure during the cardiac cycle.

Also Check – Why Do Arteries Have Thick Elastic Walls ?

Muscular Arteries 

Medium-sized muscular Arteries have a diameter ranging from 0.1 to 1 cm and are responsible for distributing Blood to specific organs and tissues in the body. These Arteries have a thick layer of smooth muscle in their walls, which allows them to constrict or dilate to regulate Blood flow and pressure. These Arteries are responsible for distributing Blood to various organs and tissues of the body. Examples of muscular Arteries include the brachial Artery and the femoral Artery.

Arterioles

Small Arteries and arterioles have a diameter ranging from 10 to 300 microns. Arterioles are the smallest Arteries and are responsible for regulating Blood flow and pressure within the body’s tissues. They have a layer of smooth muscle that can contract or relax to regulate Blood flow. Arterioles play a crucial role in regulating Blood flow to the capillaries, which are the smallest Blood vessels in the body and where oxygen and nutrients are exchanged with the body’s tissues.

Also Check – 8 Structural and Functional Difference Between Arteries Veins and Capillaries

Major Arteries of the Body

The Major Arteries of the body are responsible for delivering oxygenated Blood from the heart to various organs and tissues. Some of the major Arteries in the body  are as follows- 

The Largest Artery – Aorta 

Arteries in the body
The Largest Artery – Aorta

The aorta is the largest Artery in the body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and extending down to the abdomen where it divides into two branches called the common iliac Arteries   . It is a thick-walled Blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich Blood away from the heart and delivers it to the rest of the body.

The aorta is divided into several sections based on its location and function – 

Ascending Aorta 

The Ascending Aorta is the first portion of the aorta and is located immediately above the heart. It begins at the aortic valve, which separates the left ventricle of the heart from the aorta and extends upward for a short distance before curving into the aortic arch. The ascending aorta gives off branches called the coronary Arteries, which supply oxygen-rich Blood to the heart muscle.

Aortic Arch 

The Aortic Arch is a curved portion of the aorta that extends from the top of the ascending aorta to the beginning of the descending aorta. It passes over the heart and to the left of the trachea and esophagus. The aortic arch gives off several major branches that supply oxygen-rich Blood to the head, neck and upper extremities. These branches include the brachiocephalic Artery, the left common carotid Artery and the left subclavian Artery. The brachiocephalic Artery branches into the right subclavian Artery and the right common carotid Artery, which supply Blood to the right arm and head and neck, respectively.

Descending Aorta 

The Descending Aorta is the portion of the aorta that extends downward from the aortic arch. It is divided into two sections- 

  • The Thoracic aorta
  • The Abdominal aorta.

The Thoracic aorta

The Thoracic Aorta is the upper portion of the descending aorta and extends from the aortic arch to the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. The thoracic aorta gives off several branches that supply oxygen-rich Blood to the chest and upper back.

The Abdominal Aorta

The Abdominal Aorta is the lower portion of the descending aorta and extends from the diaphragm to the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. It gives off several branches that supply oxygen-rich Blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs.

The Aorta has a very important function in the body. It delivers oxygen-rich Blood to all of the body’s organs and tissues. This is essential for maintaining the health and function of these tissues, including the brain, heart, kidneys, liver and other vital organs.

Also Check – 15 Important Differences Between Arteries and Veins

Head and neck Arteries

Arteries of the body
Head and neck Arteries

The head and neck Arteries are a network of Blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich Blood to the head and neck region. These Arteries are crucial for maintaining the proper functioning of the brain, eyes, ears and other organs in the head and neck.

There are several major Arteries that supply Blood to the head and neck few of them are as follows – 

  1. Common carotid Arteries – There are two common carotid Arteries   , one on each side of the neck. The left common carotid Artery branches directly from the aortic arch, while the right common carotid Artery branches from the brachiocephalic trunk.
  2. External carotid Arteries–  These paired Arteries branch from the common carotid Arteries and supply Blood to structures in the face, lower jaw and neck.
  3. Internal carotid Arteries –  These paired Arteries also branch from the common carotid Arteries and supply Blood to the brain.
  4. Vertebral Arteries –  These paired Arteries are formed from the subclavian Arteries and travel up the neck to supply Blood to the brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord.
  5. Thyrocervical trunk – This Artery branches from the subclavian Artery and supplies Blood to the thyroid gland, neck muscles and upper back.

Torso Arteries 

Arteries of the body
Torso Arteries

Torso Arteries refer to the network of Arteries that supply Blood to the torso which includes the chest, abdomen and pelvis. These Arteries are an important part of the Circulatory System as they deliver oxygen and nutrients to the organs and tissues in the torso and remove waste products and carbon dioxide.

There are several major Arteries that supply Blood to the Torso  few of them are as follows

Bronchial Arteries

The bronchial Arteries are a pair of small Arteries that arise from the descending thoracic aorta, just above the level of the diaphragm. They supply oxygenated Blood to the bronchi and connective tissue of the lungs, providing the lungs with the nutrients and oxygen they need to function properly.

Esophageal Artery

The esophageal Artery is a small branch of the thoracic aorta that provides Blood supply to the esophagus, which is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This Artery is important for maintaining the integrity of the esophageal wall and ensuring that it receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly.

Pericardial Artery

The pericardial Artery is a small branch of the thoracic aorta that supplies Blood to the pericardium, which is a thin, fibrous sac that surrounds and protects the heart. This Artery is important for maintaining the health and function of the pericardium, which helps to prevent damage to the heart from trauma or infection.

Intercostal Arteries

The intercostal Arteries are a series of paired Arteries that run along the length of the thoracic cage, between the ribs. They supply Blood to the muscles, bones and skin of the thorax, including the vertebrae, spinal cord, back muscles and skin. These Arteries are important for maintaining the health and function of the muscles and other tissues in the thorax and for supporting proper posture and movement.

Superior Phrenic Arteries

The superior phrenic Arteries are a pair of small Arteries that arise from the thoracic aorta, just above the diaphragm. They supply Blood to the diaphragm, which is the primary muscle responsible for breathing. They also provide Blood supply to the vertebrae, spinal cord and skin in the thorax. These Arteries are important for ensuring that the diaphragm receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly, which is essential for proper breathing and overall health.

The Abdomen Arteries

Arteries of the body
The Abdomen Arteries

The Abdomen Arteries are a network of Blood vessels that supply oxygenated Blood to the organs and tissues of the abdominal cavity. There are several major Arteries that supply Blood to the  Abdomen Arteries few of them are as follows – 

Celiac trunk Arteries

The Celiac Trunk is a branch of the abdominal aorta and divides into smaller Arteries that supply Blood to the stomach, liver and spleen.

Superior Mesenteric Arteries

The superior Mesenteric Artery branches off of the abdominal aorta and delivers Blood to the small intestine, pancreas and most of the large intestine.

Inferior Mesenteric Arteries

The Inferior Mesenteric Artery also branches off of the abdominal aorta and supplies Blood to the last portion of the large intestine, including the rectum.

Inferior Phrenic Arteries

These paired Arteries supply Blood to the diaphragm, which is an important muscle involved in breathing.

Adrenal Arteries

The Adrenal Arteries are paired Arteries that send Blood to the adrenal glands, which produce hormones that regulate various bodily functions.

Renal Arteries

These paired Arteries deliver Blood to the kidneys, which filter waste products from the Blood and regulate Blood pressure.

Lumbar Arteries

These paired Arteries send Blood to the vertebrae and spinal cord, which are important for movement and sensory function.

Gonadal Arteries

The Gonadal Arteries are paired Arteries that supply Blood to the testes in males and the ovaries in females, which are responsible for producing sex hormones and reproductive functions.

Common Iliac Arteries

This branch of the abdominal aorta divides into the internal and external iliac Arteries   .

Internal Iliac Arteries

 Derived from the common iliac Artery, the internal iliac Artery supplies Blood to the bladder, pelvis and external portion of the genitals. It also supplies the uterus and vagina in females.

External Iliac Arteries

Also arising from the common iliac Artery, the external iliac Artery eventually becomes the femoral Artery, which supplies Blood to the lower extremities.

Arteries of the arms

Arteries of the body
Arteries of the arms

The Arteries of the arms are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich Blood to the upper extremities. Few of these Arteries are as follows 

Subclavian Artery

The subclavian Artery is a major Blood vessel that arises from the aortic arch and runs under the clavicle. It supplies Blood to the arms, chest and back.

Axillary Artery

The axillary Artery is a continuation of the subclavian Artery and begins at the lateral border of the first rib. It runs through the axilla (armpit) and supplies Blood to the upper limb and some of the chest wall.

Brachial Artery

The brachial Artery is a continuation of the axillary Artery and runs along the inside of the upper arm. It supplies Blood to the muscles of the arm and forearm, as well as the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

Radial Artery

The radial Artery is a branch of the brachial Artery and runs along the thumb side of the forearm. It supplies Blood to the lateral side of the forearm and hand.

Ulnar Artery

The ulnar Artery is also a branch of the brachial Artery and runs along the pinky side of the forearm. It supplies Blood to the medial side of the forearm and hand.

Arteries of the Legs

Arteries of the Legs
Arteries of the Legs

The Arteries of the legs are responsible for supplying Blood to the lower limbs including the thighs, calves, ankles and feet.Few major Arteries of the legs are as follows – 

Common Iliac Artery

This Artery is the main branch of the abdominal aorta and it splits into two branches, the internal iliac Artery and the external iliac Artery.

External Iliac Artery

This Artery continues down the thigh, where it becomes the femoral Artery.

Femoral Artery

The femoral Artery is the main Artery of the thigh. It supplies Blood to the thigh muscles and to the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the thigh. It also gives off several branches, including the deep femoral Artery and the descending genicular Artery.

Popliteal Artery

This Artery is located behind the knee and extends from the femoral Artery to the tibial Arteries   .

Anterior tibial Artery

This Artery supplies Blood to the anterior compartment of the leg, which includes the muscles that are responsible for dorsiflexion (lifting the foot).

Posterior tibial Artery

This Artery supplies Blood to the posterior compartment of the leg, which includes the muscles that are responsible for plantarflexion (pointing the foot downwards). The posterior tibial Artery also gives off the peroneal Artery, which supplies Blood to the lateral compartment of the leg.

Dorsalis pedis Artery

This Artery is a continuation of the anterior tibial Artery and is responsible for supplying Blood to the foot. It travels along the top of the foot, where it eventually divides into the arcuate Artery and the deep plantar Artery.

Frequently asked Questions on Arteries in the Body

  1. What are arteries and what is their role in the circulatory system?
  2. What are the three main types of arteries and how do they differ?
  3. What is the difference between the systemic circuit and the pulmonary circuit of the circulatory system?
  4. What is the structure of arteries and how does it enable them to withstand high pressure?
  5. What is the function of arterioles and why are they important in the circulatory system?
  6. What are the major arteries of the body and what is their function?
  7. What are some potential health issues that can arise from problems with the arteries or other parts of the circulatory system?
  8. What is the role of the heart in the circulatory system?
  9. How is oxygen transported through the circulatory system and what is the role of arteries in this process?
  10. How do elastic arteries differ from muscular arteries and what is their respective function in the circulatory system?
  11. What is the function of arteries in the circulatory system?
  12. What are the three types of arteries and what are their functions?
  13. How do arteries differ from other blood vessels in the body?
  14. What is the systemic circuit and what is its role in the circulatory system?
  15. What is the pulmonary circuit and what is its role in the circulatory system?
  16. What are the major arteries of the body and what organs or tissues do they supply blood to?
  17. What is the role of the endothelium in the walls of arteries?
  18. How do elastic arteries differ from muscular arteries in terms of their structure and function?
  19. How do arterioles regulate blood flow and pressure within the body’s tissues?