Human Arterial System Anatomy: A Comprehensive Guide to Major Arteries

The human arterial system is a complex, high-pressure network of blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood and essential nutrients from the heart to every tissue in the body. Anchored by the aorta, this intricate branching structure ensures that vital organs, muscles, and skin receive the metabolic support required for survival. Understanding the specific pathways and names of these arteries is fundamental to grasping how the cardiovascular system functions and how blood flow is regulated across different anatomical regions.

Anatomical Labels and Explanations

Anterior cerebral a.: This vessel supplies oxygenated blood to the medial portions of the frontal and parietal lobes of the brain. It is a critical component of the Circle of Willis, ensuring collateral circulation within the cranium.

Middle cerebral a.: As the largest branch of the internal carotid artery, this vessel supplies a significant portion of the lateral surface of the cerebral hemispheres. Blockage in this artery is a frequent cause of stroke, affecting motor and sensory functions in the upper body.

Posterior cerebral a.: This artery supplies blood to the occipital lobe, which is the visual processing center of the brain, as well as the inferior part of the temporal lobe. It originates from the terminal bifurcation of the basilar artery.

Basilar a.: Formed by the convergence of the two vertebral arteries, this central vessel runs along the brainstem. It provides critical blood flow to the cerebellum, brainstem, and posterior cerebrum.

External carotid a.: This major artery supplies blood to the face, scalp, skull, and neck. It branches extensively to feed superficial structures, distinct from the internal carotid which feeds the brain.

Internal carotid a.: This vessel enters the skull to supply the brain and eyes with oxygenated blood. It is a primary contributor to the Circle of Willis and is essential for cerebral function.

Vertebral a.: Running through the vertebrae of the neck, these paired arteries unite to form the basilar artery. They provide a crucial blood supply to the upper spinal cord, brainstem, and cerebellum.

Common carotid a.: This large artery located in the neck divides into the internal and external carotid arteries. It acts as the main thoroughfare for blood traveling from the heart to the head and neck regions.

Brachiocephalic trunk: Also known as the innominate artery, this is the first major branch of the aortic arch. It supplies blood to the right arm, head, and neck by dividing into the right subclavian and right common carotid arteries.

Subclavian a.: Located below the clavicle, this artery supplies blood to the arms, with some branches feeding the head and thorax. It transitions into the axillary artery as it passes the first rib.

Aortic arch: This curved portion of the main artery bends over the heart, connecting the ascending and descending aorta. It gives rise to the major branches that supply the head, neck, and upper limbs.

Axillary a.: This is the continuation of the subclavian artery as it passes through the armpit region. It delivers blood to the shoulder, chest wall, and the upper arm.

Ascending aorta: This is the initial section of the aorta emerging directly from the left ventricle of the heart. It gives rise to the coronary arteries which supply the heart muscle itself.

Internal thoracic a.: Running along the inside of the rib cage, this vessel supplies the breast and the anterior chest wall. It is frequently harvested for use in coronary artery bypass graft surgeries.

Brachial a.: This is the major blood vessel of the upper arm and is a continuation of the axillary artery. It is the standard site for measuring blood pressure using a cuff.

Deep brachial a.: Also known as the profunda brachii, this vessel branches off the brachial artery to supply the muscles in the posterior aspect of the arm, such as the triceps.

Radial recurrent a.: This small branch arises from the radial artery just below the elbow. It ascends to anastomose with branches of the deep brachial artery, helping supply the elbow joint.

Descending aorta: This large vessel travels down through the chest and abdomen, distributing blood to the lower body. It is divided anatomically into the thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta.

Common hepatic a.: A branch of the celiac trunk, this artery supplies oxygenated blood to the liver, pylorus of the stomach, duodenum, and pancreas. It ensures the liver has adequate oxygen to perform its metabolic functions.

Superior and inferior epigastric a.: These arteries supply the anterior abdominal wall and the rectus abdominis muscle. They form an anastomosis that provides a potential collateral pathway between the upper and lower body circulation.

Testicular a.: These long, slender arteries arise from the abdominal aorta to supply the testes in males. In females, the homologous vessels are the ovarian arteries, which supply the ovaries.

Interosseous a.: Located in the forearm, these arteries (common, anterior, and posterior) run along the interosseous membrane between the radius and ulna. They supply the deep muscles and bones of the forearm.

Radial a.: This artery runs along the thumb side of the forearm and is a common site for taking a pulse. It works with the ulnar artery to supply blood to the hand and fingers.

Ulnar a.: Running along the pinky side of the forearm, this vessel is the other major artery of the lower arm. It primarily feeds the medial aspect of the forearm and contributes significantly to the superficial palmar arch.

Palmar carpal arch: This network is formed by the anastomosis of carpal branches from the radial and ulnar arteries. It supplies the carpal bones and joints of the wrist.

Dorsal carpal arch: Located on the back of the wrist, this arterial network supplies the dorsal aspects of the hand and wrist. It is formed by branches of the radial and ulnar arteries.

Superficial/Deep palmar arches: These curved vessels in the palm of the hand connect the radial and ulnar arteries. They give rise to the digital arteries that supply the fingers.

Digital a.: These small arteries run along the sides of the fingers and toes. They provide the terminal blood supply to the phalanges and nail beds.

Pulmonary v.: Unlike other vessels labeled here, these are veins that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the left atrium of the heart. They are unique because they carry red, oxygen-rich blood, whereas most veins carry deoxygenated blood.

Heart: The central muscular pump of the circulatory system that propels blood into the aorta. It receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it throughout the entire arterial network.

Coronary a.: These vital arteries branch directly off the ascending aorta to supply the heart muscle (myocardium) with oxygen. Blockage in these vessels is the primary cause of myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Intercostal a.: These vessels run between the ribs, supplying blood to the intercostal muscles and the skin of the chest wall. They are derived from the thoracic aorta.

Celiac trunk: A major branch of the abdominal aorta, this short vessel supplies the foregut. It divides into the gastric, splenic, and common hepatic arteries.

Left/Right gastric a.: These arteries supply the tissues of the stomach along its lesser curvature. They create an anastomotic loop to ensure the stomach remains vascularized even if one side is compromised.

Splenic a.: This tortuous vessel supplies the spleen, as well as parts of the stomach and pancreas. It is one of the three main branches of the celiac trunk.

Gastroduodenal a.: Arising from the common hepatic artery, this vessel supplies the pylorus of the stomach and the proximal part of the duodenum. It is critical for the blood supply of the upper small intestine.

Renal a.: These paired arteries branch laterally from the abdominal aorta to supply the kidneys. They carry a massive volume of blood to be filtered for waste products.

Superior mesenteric a.: This major unpaired artery supplies the midgut, including the small intestine and part of the large intestine. It arises from the aorta just below the celiac trunk.

Inferior mesenteric a.: This artery supplies the hindgut, which includes the distal part of the colon and the rectum. It is the lowest of the three anterior branches of the abdominal aorta.

Common iliac a.: The abdominal aorta terminates by splitting into these two large vessels. They transfer blood from the aorta to the pelvis and lower limbs.

Internal iliac a.: This branch of the common iliac artery supplies the pelvic organs, including the bladder and reproductive organs. It also supplies the gluteal muscles in the buttocks.

External iliac a.: This artery passes through the pelvis and continues down to become the femoral artery. It is the main blood supply route to the leg.

Common femoral a.: Located in the upper thigh, this vessel is the direct continuation of the external iliac artery. It is a major access point for catheterization procedures and supplies the lower limb.

Femoral circumflex a.: These branches (medial and lateral) wrap around the upper femur. They provide the primary blood supply to the hip joint and the head of the femur.

Descending branch of the femoral circumflex a.: This specific branch travels downward to supply the muscles of the lateral thigh. It anastomoses with arteries around the knee to provide collateral circulation.

Femoral a.: This major artery runs down the length of the thigh, supplying the thigh muscles and femur. As it passes behind the knee, it becomes the popliteal artery.

Deep femoral a.: Also known as the profunda femoris, this large branch supplies the deep muscles of the thigh. It ensures the thigh tissue receives blood even if the superficial femoral artery is occluded.

Perforating branches: These are smaller vessels that pierce through muscle layers to supply the posterior compartment of the thigh. They typically arise from the deep femoral artery.

Descending genicular a.: This artery branches from the femoral artery just before the knee. It participates in the anastomosis around the knee joint, ensuring blood flow during joint flexion.

Superior genicular a.: These arteries wrap around the top of the knee joint. They supply the knee joint capsule and the distal end of the femur.

Inferior genicular a.: These vessels circulate around the lower part of the knee joint. They supply the proximal tibia and the knee ligaments.

Popliteal a.: Located behind the knee, this continuation of the femoral artery supplies the knee joint and calf. It splits into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.

Tibioperoneal trunk: This short segment arises from the popliteal artery before splitting into the posterior tibial and peroneal arteries. It directs blood to the posterior and lateral compartments of the lower leg.

Anterior tibial a.: This vessel passes to the front of the lower leg to supply the anterior muscle compartment. It continues into the foot as the dorsalis pedis artery.

Posterior tibial a.: Running down the back of the calf, this artery supplies the posterior muscles and the sole of the foot. It is a crucial vessel for maintaining circulation to the heel and plantar surface.

Peroneal a.: Also called the fibular artery, this vessel runs along the lateral aspect of the leg. It supplies the muscles on the side of the calf and the fibula bone.

Arcuate artery: Located on the top of the foot, this arc-shaped vessel is formed by the dorsalis pedis artery. It gives rise to the dorsal metatarsal arteries.

Deep plantar arch: This arterial arch is located deep within the sole of the foot. It is formed primarily by the lateral plantar artery and completes the circulatory loop in the foot.

Dorsal metatarsal a.: These arteries run along the top of the foot bones (metatarsals). They distribute blood to the toes and dorsal skin of the foot.

Dorsal digital a.: These are the terminal branches supplying the toes. They ensure the extremities of the lower limb receive adequate oxygenation.

The Architecture of the Human Arterial System

The human arterial system is a marvel of biological engineering, designed to transport blood under high pressure from the heart to the periphery of the body. Unlike veins, which return blood to the heart and often rely on valves to prevent backflow, arteries possess thick, muscular walls capable of withstanding the force generated by the left ventricle’s contraction. This system begins at the aorta, the body’s largest artery, which acts as the main trunk. From here, the system follows a hierarchical branching pattern, where large elastic arteries give way to muscular distributing arteries, eventually tapering into arterioles and microscopic capillaries where gas exchange occurs.

This network is not merely a series of passive tubes; it is highly dynamic. The smooth muscle lining the systemic circulation vessels allows for vasoconstriction and vasodilation, enabling the body to prioritize blood flow where it is needed most. For example, during exercise, arteries supplying the skeletal muscles dilate to provide more oxygen, while those supplying the digestive system may constrict. This regulation is crucial for maintaining stable blood pressure and ensuring that critical organs like the brain and heart receive a constant supply of nutrients regardless of the body’s activity level.

The interconnectivity of the arterial system is another vital feature. In many areas, such as the hand (palmar arches) and the brain (Circle of Willis), arteries connect with one another in arrangements called anastomoses. These connections provide “backup” routes for blood flow. If one pathway becomes blocked due to injury or disease, the collateral circulation provided by these anastomoses can often preserve the tissue, preventing necrosis and maintaining function.

Key functions of the arterial system include:

• Transportation: Delivery of oxygen, glucose, hormones, and immune cells to tissues.
• Pressure Management: dampening the pulsatile flow from the heart into a steady stream for capillaries.
• Thermoregulation: Redirecting blood to or from the skin surface to manage body temperature.
• pH Balance: Transporting bicarbonate and other buffers to maintain physiological pH.

Conclusion

A comprehensive knowledge of arterial anatomy is essential for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions. From the massive aorta to the tiny digital arteries, every vessel plays a specific role in maintaining the vitality of the tissues it serves. By understanding the pathways detailed in the diagram—such as the crucial supply routes to the brain via the carotids or the elaborate blood supply of the limbs—medical professionals can better understand the implications of arterial blockages, aneurysms, and traumatic injuries.