Body system · 642 pieces

Arteries

Systemic and pulmonary arteries carrying blood away from the heart.

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Overview

Arteries carry blood away from the heart under pressure. The aorta leaves the left ventricle, arches over the heart giving off the vessels to the head and arms, then descends through the thorax and abdomen before dividing into the iliac arteries for the pelvis and legs. The pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. With 642 modelled pieces, this is the largest layer in the atlas, down to the segmental arteries of the lungs, liver and kidneys and the small branches on the surface of the brain.

Functions

  • Distribute oxygenated blood to every organ
  • Regulate blood pressure and flow through muscular walls
  • Carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs (pulmonary arteries)

Clinical notes

  • Atherosclerosis narrows arteries and can cause heart attack or stroke
  • Aneurysms are dangerous dilatations, most often of the abdominal aorta
  • Peripheral arterial disease limits blood flow to the legs

Organs & groups in this system

Coronary vessels

The arteries and veins that supply and drain the heart muscle itself.

26 structures · full anatomy article

Aorta

The largest artery, carrying blood from the left ventricle to the whole body.

7 structures · full anatomy article

All structures 428

642 modelled pieces. Click a structure to open it in the atlas.