Arteries of the Body
The arteries are the vessels that carry blood away from the heart and, as would be expected, blood pressure is greatest in these vessels. They are muscular tubes whose walls are made up of three layers, the Intima, which is the innermost layer, the Media, the middle layer, and the Adventitia the outermost layer. As with the arteries in the brain, Aneurysms will develop on these vessels as well. Some of the more common of the body’s arteries associated with Aneurysm development are listed below.
- Aorta or Aortic Artery
- The Aorta is the largest artery in the body and the most common location for Aneurysms. It carries and distributes oxygenated blood to all arteries. With the exception of the main pulmonary artery, most major arteries branch off the Aorta. The aorta arises from the left ventricle of the heart, forms an arch, then extends down thru the center of the torso to the abdomen, where it branches off into two smaller arteries.
- Femoral Arteries
- Large arteries in the muscles of the thigh. The femoral artery can be used as an access artery due to its ease of access as compared to most major arteries. It can be catheterized to gain access to the heart, and the implantation of stents in the coronary arteries. Additionally it can be used to access the vasculature of the brain via the carotid or vertebral arteries. It can also be used to draw arterial blood when the blood pressure is so low that other arteries cannot be located.
- Popliteal Arteries
- A continuation of the Femoral artery this is a vessel that, through numerous smaller branches, supplies blood to the knee joint and the muscles in the thigh and calf.
- Carotid Arteries
- The Common Carotid artery is a vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the head and neck. In the neck, it divides in two forming the external and internal carotid arteries which supply the brain with blood.
- Coronary Arteries
- These are the two major arteries that branch off from the Aorta and supply the heart muscle itself with blood. Blockage of these arteries is the leading cause of death in our society.
- Iliac Arteries
- Either of the two large arteries arising by bifurcation of the abdominal aorta and supplying blood to the lower trunk and legs.
- Subclavian Artery
- Arteries that mainly supplies blood to the head and arms. It is located below the clavicle from which it acquires its name.
- Visceral Arteries
- These arteries supply blood to the spleen, kidney, liver and intestines.
Nothing on this website should, in any way be considered medical advice. It is presented as general information only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any type of medical condition. I am not a doctor, nurse, or any other type of medical or health care professional. Nor am I an expert on Aneurysms. However, I am an expert on the experience of having suffered a ruptured Aneurysm and the subsequent treatment I received. This site should not be considered to be, nor is it intended to be, a definitive source of information regarding Aneurysms. I have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of any information presented here, but again, I am not a medical professional and my own interpretation of this information could be in error.