Anatomy and Physiology of Children and Adolescents - M. R. Sapin 2007

Cardiovascular System
Blood Vessels of the Human Body
Arteries of the Systemic Circulation

The aorta originates from the left ventricle of The Heart. Anatomically, the aorta is divided into the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending aorta, which give off branches supplying various Organs and body parts (Table 13). The right and left coronary Arteries, which branch out within the walls of the heart, arise from the Base of the ascending aorta. Several very large branches originate from the aortic arch: the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery, and the left Subclavian Artery. These vessels supply arterial Blood to the organs and Tissues of the HEAD, neck, and both upper limbs. The right common carotid artery and the right subclavian artery branch off from the brachiocephalic trunk. The common carotid arteries ascend on either side of the Trachea and Esophagus. At the level of the upper border of the Larynx, each common carotid divides into the internal and external carotid arteries. The Internal Carotid Artery enters the cranial cavity through the carotid canal of the Temporal bone and, together with the vertebral artery (a branch of the subclavian artery), supplies blood to the Brain. Thus, four major arteries supply the brain—two internal carotids and two vertebrales—where their branches form the cerebral arterial circle at the base of the brain (Fig. 89, see color insert). The External Carotid Artery gives off numerous branches that supply the superficial structures of the head, including the entire facial region, as well as the upper neck.

Class="center">Table 13 The aorta and its branches

The left subclavian artery branches off the aortic arch, while the right subclavian arises from the brachiocephalic trunk. Branches of the subclavian artery supply the organs and tissues of the neck, shoulder girdle, and anterior chest wall. At the level of the first rib, the subclavian artery continues as the axillary artery (Fig. 90, see color insert). The axillary artery and its continuations in the upper limb—the brachial, ulnar, and radial arteries—give off numerous branches to the Skin, Muscles, bones, and joints.

The descending aorta is divided into thoracic and abdominal parts. The Thoracic Aorta runs along THE Vertebral Column to the left of the midline. Through intercostal and other arteries (bronchial, esophageal), it supplies the abdominal organs (stomach, liver, small and large intestines, kidneys) as well as the abdominal wall (Fig. 91). The Abdominal Aorta gives rise to the short celiac trunk, which sends branches to The Stomach (Fig. 92), the long superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, the right and left renal arteries, as well as lumbar arteries and gonadal arteries.

At the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra, the abdominal aorta divides into the right and left common iliac arteries, each of which subsequently splits within the pelvic cavity into internal and external iliac arteries (Fig. 93, see color insert). The short internal iliac artery gives off numerous branches to the pelvic walls and organs. The long external iliac artery supplies branches to the pelvic walls and the anterior abdominal wall before continuing as the femoral artery. The femoral artery leads into the popliteal artery, which is followed by the anterior and posterior tibial arteries; their numerous branches supply the skin, muscles, bones, and JOINTS OF THE lower limb. Many arteries—such as the radial artery, the dorsalis pedis artery, and the superficial temporal artery—are superficial in certain areas, lying just beneath the fascia and skin, where they can be readily palpated. This makes it easy to check the pulse. In cases of Hemorrhage, an artery can be compressed against the underlying bone to stop the bleeding.

Fig. 91. The aorta and its major branches:

1 — ascending aorta; 2 — aortic arch; 3 — brachiocephalic trunk; 4 — right subclavian artery; 5 — right common carotid artery; 6 — left common carotid artery; 7 — left subclavian artery; 8 — thoracic aorta; 9 — posterior intercostal arteries; 10 — celiac trunk; 11 — superior mesenteric artery; 12 — left renal artery; 13 — abdominal aorta; 14 — left ovarian (testicular) artery; 15 — inferior mesenteric artery; 16 — left common iliac artery; 17 — left internal iliac artery; 18 — left external iliac artery; 19 — median sacral artery; 20 — right Ureter; 21 — right testicular (ovarian) artery; 22 — right Kidney; 23 — right renal artery; 24 — right suprarenal gland; 25 — right inferior phrenic artery

Fig. 92. Arteries of the stomach. Celiac trunk:

1 — celiac trunk; 2 — aorta; 3 — left gastric artery; 4 — stomach; 5 — spleen; 6 — splenic artery; 7 — left gastro-omental artery; 8 — greater omentum; 9 — right gastro-omental artery; 10 — pancreas; 11 — INFERIOR VENA CAVA; 12 — portal vein; 13 — gastroduodenal artery; 14 — common Bile duct; 15 — right gastric artery; 16 — common hepatic artery; 17 — right lobe of liver; 18 — proper hepatic artery; 19 — Gallbladder; 20 — left lobe of liver