artery /ar˙te˙ry/ (ahr&stress;t&ebreve;-re) a vessel in which blood flows away from the heart, in the systemic circulation carrying oxygenated blood. arte&stress;rial, adj. 
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Representation of arterial coats: (A), tunica intima; (B), internal elastic lamina; (C), tunica media; (D), external elastic lamina; (E), tunica externa.
accompanying artery of median nerve median a.
accompanying artery of sciatic nerve sciatic a.
alveolar arteries, anterior superior origin, infraorbital artery; branches, dental and peridental rami; distribution, incisors and canine regions of upper jaw, maxillary sinus.
alveolar artery, inferior origin, maxillary artery; branches, dental, peridental, mental, and mylohyoid rami; distribution, lower jaw, lower lip, and chin.
alveolar artery, posterior superior origin, maxillary artery; branches, dental and peridental rami; distribution, molar and premolar regions of upper jaw, maxillary sinus.
angular artery origin, facial artery; branches, none; distribution, lacrimal sac, lower eyelid, nose.
appendicular artery origin, ileocolic artery; branches, none; distribution, vermiform appendix.
arcuate artery of foot origin, dorsal artery of foot; branches, deep plantar branch and dorsal metatarsal artery; distribution, foot, toes.
arcuate arteries of kidney origin, interlobar artery; branches, interlobular artery and straight arterioles of kidney; distribution, parenchyma of kidney.
auditory artery, internal artery of labyrinth.
auricular artery, deep origin, maxillary artery; branches, none; distribution, skin of auditory canal, tympanic membrane, temporomandibular joint.
auricular artery, posterior origin, external carotid; branches, auricular and occipital rami, stylomastoid artery; distribution, middle ear, mastoid cells, auricle, parotid gland, digastric and other muscles.
axillary artery origin, continuation of subclavian artery; branches, subscapular rami, and superior thoracic, thoracoacromial, lateral thoracic, subscapular, and anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries; distribution, upper limb, axilla, chest, shoulder.
basilar artery origin, from junction of right and left vertebral arteries; branches, pontine branches, and anterior inferior cerebellar, labyrinthine, superior cerebellar, and posterior cerebral arteries; distribution, brainstem, internal ear, cerebellum, posterior cerebrum.
brachial artery origin, continuation of axillary artery; branches, superficial brachial, deep brachial, nutrient of humerus, superior ulnar collateral, inferior ulnar collateral, radial, and ulnar arteries; distribution, shoulder, arm, forearm, hand.
brachial artery, deep origin, brachial artery; branches, deltoid ramus, nutrient artery, medial and radial collateral arteries; distribution, humerus, muscles and skin of arm.
brachial artery, superficial an occasional vessel that arises from high bifurcation of the brachial artery and assumes a more superficial course than usual.
brachiocephalic artery brachiocephalic trunk.
buccal artery origin, maxillary artery; branches, none; distribution, buccinator muscle, mucous membrane of mouth.
bulbourethral artery a. of bulb of penis.
artery of bulb of penis origin, internal pudendal artery; branches, none; distribution, bulbourethral gland, bulb of penis.
artery of bulb of vestibule origin, internal pudendal artery; branches, none; distribution, bulb of vestibule of vagina, greater vestibular glands.
callosomarginal artery origin, postcommunical part of anterior cerebral artery; branches, anteromedial frontal, mediomedial frontal, posteromedial frontal, and cingular branches; distribution, medial and superolateral surfaces of cerebral hemisphere.
capsular arteries capsular branches of renal artery: branches that supply the renal capsule.
caroticotympanic arteries branches of the petrous part of the internal carotid artery that supply the tympanic cavity.
carotid artery, common origin, brachiocephalic trunk (right), aortic arch (left); branches, external and internal carotids; distribution, see external and internal carotid arteries.
carotid artery, external origin, common carotid; branches, superior thyroid, ascending pharyngeal, lingual, facial, sternocleidomastoid, occipital, posterior auricular, superficial temporal, maxillary; distribution, neck, face, skull.
carotid artery, internal origin, common carotid; branches, caroticotympanic, ophthalmic, posterior communicating, anterior choroid, anterior cerebral, and middle cerebral arteries; distribution, middle ear, brain, pituitary gland, orbit, choroid plexus. It is divided into four parts: cervical, petrous, cavernous, and cerebral.
caudal artery median sacral artery.
cecal artery, anterior origin, ileocolic; branches, none; distribution, cecum.
cecal artery, posterior origin, ileocolic; branches, none; distribution, cecum.
central arteries, anterolateral origin, sphenoidal part of middle cerebral artery; branches; two sets of branches, medial and lateral; distribution, anterior lenticular and caudate nuclei and internal capsule of brain.
central arteries, anteromedial, of anterior cerebral artery origin, precommunical part of anterior cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, anterior and medial corpus striatum.
central arteries, anteromedial, of anterior communicating artery origin, anterior communicating artery; branches, none; distribution, corpus callosum, septum pellucidum, lentiform and caudate nuclei.
central artery, long a branch of the precommunical part of the anterior cerebral artery.
central arteries, posteromedial, of posterior cerebral artery origin, precommunical part of posterior cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, anterior thalamus, lateral wall of third ventricle, and globus pallidus of lentiform nucleus.
central arteries, posteromedial, of posterior communicating artery origin, posterior communicating artery; branches, none; distribution, medial thalamic surface and walls of third ventricle.
central artery, short a branch from the precommunical part of the anterior cerebral artery.
central artery of retina origin, ophthalmic artery; branches, none; distribution, retina.
artery of central sulcus origin, terminal part of middle cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, cortex on either side of central sulcus.
cerebellar artery, anterior inferior origin, basilar artery; branches, posterior, spinal (usually) and labyrinthine (usually) arteries; distribution, anteroinferior part of cerebellum, lower and lateral parts of pons and sometimes upper part of medulla oblongata.
cerebellar artery, posterior inferior origin, vertebral artery; branches, medial and lateral; distribution, lower cerebellum, medulla, choroid plexus of fourth ventricle.
cerebellar artery, superior origin, basilar artery; branches, none; distribution, upper cerebellum, midbrain, pineal body, choroid plexus of third ventricle.
cerebral arteries the arteries supplying the cerebral hemispheres, derived from the internal carotid artery (anterior choroid, anterior cerebral, middle cerebral, and posterior communicating arteries and the circle of Willis) or from the basilar artery (posterior cerebral artery).
cerebral artery, anterior origin, internal carotid artery; branches (precommunical part) anteromedial central arteries, long and short central arteries, anterior communicating artery, and (postcommunical part) medial frontobasal, callosomarginal (anteromedial, inferomedial, posteromedial, and cingular branches), paracentral, precuneal, and parietooccipital arteries; distribution, orbital, frontal, and parietal cortex, corpus callosum, diencephalon, corpus striatum, internal capsule, and choroid plexus of lateral ventricle.
cerebral artery, middle origin, internal carotid; branches sphenoidal part: anterolateral central artery (with medial and lateral branches); insular part: insular artery, lateral frontobasal artery, and anterior, intermediate, and posterior temporal arteries; terminal or cortical part: arteries of central, precentral, and postcentral sulcus, anterior and posterior parietal arteries, artery of angular gyri; distribution, orbital, frontal, parietal, and temporal cortex, corpus striatum, internal capsule.
cerebral artery, posterior origin, terminal bifurcation of basilar artery; branches (precommunical part) posteromedial central arteries, (postcommunical part) posterolateral central arteries, and thalamic, medial and lateral posterior choroidal, and peduncular branches, and (terminal, or cortical, part) lateral occipital artery (anterior, medial intermediate and posterior temporal branches) and medial occipital artery (dorsal corpus callosum, parietal, parieto-occipital, calcarine, and occipitotemporal branches); distribution, occipital and temporal cortex, diencephalon, midbrain, choroid plexus of lateral and third ventricles, and visual area of cerebral cortex and other structures associated with the visual pathway.
cervical artery, ascending origin, inferior thyroid artery; branches, spinal rami; distribution, muscles of neck, vertebrae, vertebral canal.
cervical artery, deep origin, costocervical trunk; branches, none; distribution, deep neck muscles.
cervical artery, transverse origin, subclavian artery; branches, deep and superficial rami; distribution, root of neck, muscles of scapula.
choroidal artery, anterior origin, internal carotid or middle cerebral artery; branches, many small branches; distribution, interior of brain, including choroid plexus of lateral ventricle and adjacent parts.
ciliary arteries, anterior origin, ophthalmic and lacrimal arteries; branches, episcleral and anterior conjunctival arteries; distribution, iris, conjunctiva.
ciliary arteries, long posterior origin, ophthalmic artery; branches, none; distribution, iris, ciliary process.
ciliary arteries, short posterior origin, ophthalmic artery; branches, none; distribution, choroid coat of eye.
circumflex artery a branch that curves around to the back of the left ventricle in the coronary sulcus, supplying the left ventricle and left atrium.
circumflex femoral artery, lateral origin, deep femoral artery; branches, ascending, descending, and transverse branches; distribution, hip joint, thigh muscles.
circumflex femoral artery, medial origin, deep femoral artery; branches, deep, superficial, ascending, transverse, and acetabular branches; distribution, hip joint, thigh muscles.
circumflex humeral artery, anterior origin, axillary artery; branches, none; distribution, shoulder joint and head of humerus, long tendon of biceps, tendon of pectoralis major muscle.
circumflex humeral artery, posterior origin, axillary artery; branches; none; distribution, deltoideus, shoulder joint, teres minor and triceps muscles.
circumflex iliac artery, deep origin, external iliac artery; branches, ascending branches; distribution, iliac region, abdominal wall, groin.
circumflex iliac artery, superficial origin, femoral artery; branches, none; distribution, groin, abdominal wall.
circumflex artery of scapula origin, subscapular artery; branches, none; distribution, inferolateral muscles of the scapula.
coccygeal artery median sacral artery.
colic artery, accessory superior middle colic artery.
colic artery, inferior right ileocolic artery.
colic artery, left origin, inferior mesenteric; branches, none; distribution, descending colon.
colic artery, middle origin, superior mesenteric artery; branches, none; distribution, transverse colon.
colic artery, right origin, superior mesenteric artery; branches, none; distribution, ascending colon.
collateral artery, inferior ulnar origin, brachial artery; branches, none; distribution, arm muscles at back of elbow.
collateral artery, middle origin, deep brachial artery; branches, none; distribution, triceps muscle, elbow joint.
collateral artery, radial origin, deep brachial artery; branches, none; distribution, brachioradial and brachial muscles.
collateral artery, superior ulnar origin, brachial artery; branches, none; distribution, elbow joint, triceps muscle.
communicating artery, anterior origin, precommunical part of anterior cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, establishes connection between the anterior cerebral arteries.
communicating artery, posterior establishes connection between internal carotid and posterior cerebral arteries; branches, to the optic chiasm, oculomotor nerve, thalamus, hypothalamus, and tail of caudate nucleus.
conducting arteries arterial trunks characterized by large size and elasticity, such as the aorta, subclavian artery, common carotid artery, brachiocephalic trunk, and pulmonary trunk.
conjunctival arteries, anterior origin, anterior ciliary; branches, none; distribution, conjunctiva.
conjunctival arteries, posterior origin, medial palpebral artery; branches, none; distribution, lacrimal caruncle, conjunctiva.
corkscrew arteries small arteries in the macular region of the eye that appear markedly tortuous.
coronary artery, left origin, left aortic sinus; branches, anterior interventricular and circumflex rami; distribution, left ventricle, left atrium.
coronary artery, left anterior descending the branch of the left coronary artery that runs to the apex of the heart in the anterior interventricular sulcus, supplying the ventricles and most of the interventricular septum.
coronary artery, posterior descending a branch running toward the apex of the heart in the posterior interventricular sulcus, supplying the diaphragmatic surface of the ventricles and part of the interventricular septum.
coronary artery, right origin, right aortic sinus; branches, conus artery and atrial, atrioventricular node, intermediate atrial, posterior interventricular right marginal, and sinoatrial node rami; distribution, right ventricle, right atrium.
cortical radiate arteries interlobular a's of kidney.
cremasteric artery origin, inferior epigastric; branches, none; distribution, cremaster muscle, coverings of spermatic cord.
cystic artery origin, right branch of proper hepatic artery; branches, none; distribution, gallbladder.
deep artery of clitoris origin, internal pudendal artery; branches, none; distribution, clitoris.
deep artery of penis origin, internal pudendal artery; branches, none; distribution, corpus cavernosum penis.
deferential artery artery of ductus deferens.
deltoid artery
1. a branch of the deep brachial artery, distributed to the brachialis and deltoid muscles, and anastomosing with the posterior circumflex humeral artery.
2. a branch of the thoracoacromial artery, descending with the cephalic vein and helping to supply the deltoid and pectoralis major muscles.
dental arteries see alveolar a's.
digital arteries, collateral proper palmar digital arteries.
digital arteries, common palmar origin, superficial palmar arch; branches, proper palmar digital arteries; distribution, fingers.
digital arteries, common plantar origin, plantar metatarsal arteries; branches, proper plantar digital arteries; distribution, toes.
digital arteries, common volar common palmar digital arteries.
digital arteries, proper palmar origin, common palmar digital arteries; branches, none; distribution, fingers.
digital arteries, proper plantar origin, common plantar digital arteries; branches, none; distribution, toes.
digital arteries, proper volar proper palmar digital arteries.
digital arteries of foot, common plantar metatarsal arteries.
digital arteries of foot, dorsal origin, dorsal metatarsal arteries; branches, none; distribution, dorsum of toes.
digital arteries of hand, dorsal origin, dorsal metacarpal arteries; branches, none; distribution, dorsum of fingers.
distributing arteries most of the arteries except the conducting arteries; of muscular type, they extend from the large vessels to the arterioles.
dorsal artery of clitoris origin, internal pudendal artery; branches, none; distribution, clitoris.
dorsal artery of foot origin, continuation of anterior tibial; branches, lateral and medial tarsal, arcuate, and deep plantar arteries; distribution, foot, toes.
dorsal artery of nose origin, ophthalmic artery; branches, lacrimal; distribution, dorsum of nose.
dorsal artery of penis origin, internal pudendal artery; branches, none; distribution, glans, corona, prepuce of penis.
dorsalis pedis artery dorsal a. of foot
artery of ductus deferens origin, umbilical artery; branches, ureteral artery; distribution, ureter, ductus deferens, seminal vesicles, testes.
elastic arteries conducting a's.
end artery one which undergoes progressive branching without development of channels connecting with other arteries, so that if occluded it cannot supply sufficient blood to the tissue depending on it.
epigastric artery, inferior origin, external iliac; branches, pubic branch, cremasteric a., a. of round ligament of uterus; distribution, abdominal wall.
epigastric artery, superficial origin, femoral; branches, none; distribution, abdominal wall, groin.
epigastric artery, superior origin, internal thoracic artery; branches, none; distribution, abdominal wall, diaphragm.
episcleral arteries origin, anterior ciliary artery; branches, none; distribution, iris, ciliary processes.
ethmoidal artery, anterior origin, ophthalmic artery; branches, anterior meningeal, anterior septal, and anterior lateral nasal rami; distribution, dura mater, nose, frontal sinus, anterior ethmoidal cells.
ethmoidal artery, posterior origin, ophthalmic artery; branches, none; distribution, posterior ethmoidal cells, dura mater, nose.
facial artery origin, external carotid; branches, ascending palatine, tonsillar, submental, inferior labial, superior labial, septal, lateral nasal, angular, glandular; distribution, face, tonsil, palate, submandibular gland.
facial artery, transverse origin, superficial temporal artery; branches, none; distribution, parotid region.
fallopian artery uterine a.
femoral artery origin, continuation of external iliac; branches, superficial epigastric, superficial circumflex iliac, external pudendal, deep femoral, descending genicular; distribution, lower abdominal wall, external genitalia, lower extremity.
femoral artery, deep origin, femoral artery; branches, medial and lateral circumflex arteries of thigh, perforating arteries; distribution, thigh muscles, hip joint, gluteal muscles, femur.
fibular artery peroneal a.
frontal artery supratrochlear a.
frontobasal artery, lateral origin, insular part of middle cerebral artery: branches, none; distribution, cortex of lateroinferior frontal lobe.
frontobasal artery, medial origin, postcommunical part of anterior cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, cortex of medioinferior frontal lobe.
funicular artery testicular a.
gastric artery, left origin, celiac; branches, esophageal; distribution, esophagus, lesser curvature of stomach.
gastric artery, posterior origin, splenic artery; branches, none; distribution, posterior gastric wall.
gastric artery, right origin, common hepatic artery; branches, none; distribution, lesser curvature of stomach.
gastric arteries, short origin, splenic; branches, none; distribution, upper part of stomach.
gastroduodenal artery origin, common hepatic artery; branches, supraduodenal and posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries; distribution, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, greater omentum.
gastroepiploic artery, left left gastroomental a.
gastroepiploic artery, right right gastroomental a.
gastroomental artery, left origin, splenic artery; branches, gastric, omental; distribution, stomach, greater omentum.
gastroomental artery, right origin, gastroduodenal artery; branches, gastric, omental; distribution, stomach, greater omentum.
genicular artery, descending origin, femoral artery; branches, saphenous, articular; distribution, knee joint, upper and medial leg.
genicular artery, lateral inferior origin, popliteal artery; branches, none; distribution, knee joint.
genicular artery, lateral superior origin, popliteal artery; branches, none; distribution, knee joint, femur, patella, contiguous muscles.
genicular artery, medial inferior origin, popliteal artery; branches, none; distribution, knee joint.
genicular artery, medial superior origin, popliteal artery; branches, none; distribution, knee joint, femur, patella, contiguous muscles.
genicular artery, middle origin, popliteal artery; branches, none; distribution, knee joint, cruciate ligaments, patellar synovial and alar folds.
gluteal artery, inferior origin, internal iliac; branches, sciatic; distribution, buttock, back of thigh.
gluteal artery, superior origin, internal iliac artery; branches, superficial and deep branches; distribution, buttocks.
gonadal arteries the ovarian arteries or the testicular arteries.
helicine arteries
1. small arteries that for their entire length have a band of thickened intima on one side, in which longitudinal muscle fibers are embedded. They follow a convoluted or curled course and open directly into cavernous sinuses instead of capillaries; they play a dominant role in erection of erectile tissue.
2. (of penis): helicine arteries arising from the vessels of the penis, whose engorgement causes erection of the organ.
3. (of uterus): the exceedingly tortuous terminal branches of the uterine artery in the uterine muscle.
hemorrhoidal arteries rectal a's.
hepatic artery, common origin, celiac trunk; branches, right gastric, gastroduodenal, proper hepatic a's; distribution, stomach, pancreas, duodenum, liver, gallbladder, greater omentum.
hepatic artery, proper origin, common hepatic artery; branches, right and left branches; distribution, liver, gallbladder.
hyaloid artery hyaloid artery: a fetal vessel that continues forward from the central artery of retina through the vitreous body to supply the lens; it normally is not present after birth.
hypogastric artery internal iliac artery.
hypophysial artery, inferior inferior hypophysial artery: a small branch from the cerebral part of the internal carotid artery that supplies the pituitary gland.
hypophysial artery, superior a small branch from the cerebral part of the internal carotid artery that supplies the pituitary gland.
ileal arteries origin, superior mesenteric; branches, none; distribution, ileum.
ileocolic artery origin, superior mesenteric; branches, anterior and posterior cecal and appendicular arteries and colic (ascending) and ileal rami; distribution, ileum, cecum, vermiform appendix, ascending colon.
iliac artery, common origin, abdominal aorta; branches, internal and external iliac; distribution, pelvis, abdominal wall, lower limb.
iliac artery, external origin, common iliac; branches, inferior epigastric, deep circumflex iliac; distribution, abdominal wall, external genitalia, lower limb.
iliac artery, internal origin, continuation of common iliac; branches, iliolumbar, obturator, superior gluteal, inferior gluteal, umbilical, inferior vesical, uterine, middle rectal, and internal pudendal arteries; distribution, wall and viscera of pelvis, buttock, reproductive organs, medial aspect of thigh.
iliolumbar artery origin, internal iliac; branches, iliac and lumbar branches, lateral sacral a's; distribution, pelvic muscles and bones, fifth lumbar segment, sacrum.
infraorbital artery origin, maxillary artery; branches, anterior superior alveolar; distribution, maxilla, maxillary sinus, upper teeth, lower eyelid, cheek, nose.
innominate artery brachiocephalic trunk.
insular arteries origin, insular part of middle cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, cortex of insula.
intercostal artery, first posterior origin, highest intercostal artery; branches, dorsal and spinal branches; distribution, upper thoracic wall.
intercostal artery, highest origin, costocervical trunk; branches, first and second posterior intercostal arteries; distribution, upper thoracic wall.
intercostal arteries, posterior (III–XI): origin, thoracic aorta; branches, dorsal, spinal, lateral and medial cutaneous, collateral, and lateral mammary; distribution, thoracic wall.
intercostal artery, second posterior origin, highest intercostal artery; branches, dorsal and spinal branches; distribution, upper thoracic wall.
interlobar arteries of kidney origin, lobar branches of segmental arteries; branches, arcuate arteries; distribution, parenchyma of kidney.
interlobular arteries of kidney arteries originating from the arcuate arteries of the kidney and distributed to the renal glomeruli.
interlobular arteries of liver interlobular arteries of liver: arteries originating from the right or left branch of the proper hepatic artery, forming a plexus outside each hepatic lobule and supplying the walls of the interlobular veins and the accompanying bile ducts.
interosseous artery, anterior origin, posterior or common interosseous artery; branches, median artery; distribution, deep parts of front of forearm.
interosseous artery, common origin, ulnar artery; branches, anterior and posterior interosseous arteries; distribution, antecubital fossa.
interosseous artery, posterior origin, common interosseous artery; branches, recurrent interosseous; distribution, deep parts of back of forearm.
interosseous artery, recurrent origin, posterior interosseous or common interosseous artery; branches, none; distribution, back of elbow joint.
intestinal arteries the arteries arising from the superior mesenteric, and supplying the intestines, including the pancreaticoduodenal, jejunal, ileal, ileocolic, and colic arteries.
intrarenal arteries the arteries within the kidney, including the interlobar, arcuate, and interlobular (cortical radiate) arteries, and the arteriolae rectae.
jejunal arteries origin, superior mesenteric; branches, none; distribution, jejunum.
arteries of kidney intrarenal a's.
labial artery, inferior origin, facial artery; branches, none; distribution, lower lip.
labial artery, superior origin, facial artery; branches, septal and alar; distribution, upper lip, nose.
labyrinthine artery origin, basilar or anterior inferior cerebellar artery; branches, vestibular and cochlear rami; distribution, through the internal acoustic meatus to the inner ear.
lacrimal artery origin, ophthalmic artery; branches, lateral palpebral arteries and recurrent meningeal; distribution, lacrimal gland, upper and lower eyelids, conjunctiva.
laryngeal artery, inferior origin, inferior thyroid artery; branches, none; distribution, larynx, trachea, esophagus.
laryngeal artery, superior origin, superior thyroid artery; branches, none; distribution, larynx.
lingual artery origin, external carotid; branches, suprahyoid, sublingual, dorsal lingual, deep lingual; distribution, tongue, sublingual gland, tonsil, epiglottis.
lingual artery, deep origin, lingual artery; branches, none; distribution, tongue.
lingular artery a branch of the left pulmonary artery to the superior lobe of the left lung, consisting almost entirely of the superior and inferior lingular arteries and supplying the lingular segments.
lingular artery, inferior a branch of the lingular artery, supplying the inferior lingular segment of the superior lobe of the left lung.
lingular artery, superior a branch of the lingular artery, supplying the superior lingular segment of the superior lobe of the left lung.
lobar arteries, inferior the branches of each pulmonary artery that supply the inferior lobe of the corresponding lung, consisting of the superior, anterior basal, lateral basal, medial basal, and posterior basal segmental arteries.
lobar artery, middle the branch of the right pulmonary artery that carries blood to the middle lobe of the right lung, giving rise to the lateral and medial segmental arteries.
lobar arteries, superior the branches of each pulmonary artery that carry blood to the superior lobe of the corresponding lung, consisting of the apical, anterior, and posterior segmental arteries.
lumbar arteries origin, abdominal aorta; branches, dorsal and spinal branches; distribution, posterior abdominal wall, renal capsule.
lumbar arteries, lowest origin, median sacral; branches, none; distribution, sacrum, gluteus maximus muscle.
malleolar artery, lateral anterior origin, anterior tibial artery; branches, none; distribution, ankle joint.
malleolar artery, medial anterior origin, anterior tibial artery; branches, none; distribution, ankle joint.
mammary artery, external lateral thoracic a.
mammary artery, internal internal thoracic a.
mandibular artery inferior alveolar a.
marginal artery of colon a continuous vessel running along the inner perimeter of the large intestine from the ileocolic junction to the rectum, formed by branches from the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries and giving rise to straight arteries that supply the intestinal wall.
masseteric artery origin, maxillary artery; branches, none; distribution, masseter muscle.
maxillary artery origin, external carotid artery; branches, pterygoid rami, and deep auricular, anterior tympanic, inferior alveolar, middle meningeal, masseteric, deep temporal, buccal, posterior superior alveolar, infraorbital, descending palatine, sphenopalatine, and the artery of the pterygoid canal; distribution, both jaws, teeth, muscles of mastication, ear, meninges, nose, paranasal sinuses, palate.
maxillary artery, external facial a.
maxillary artery, internal maxillary a.
median artery origin, anterior interosseous a.; branches, none; distribution, median nerve, muscles of front of forearm.
meningeal artery, middle origin, maxillary artery; branches, frontal, parietal, and lacrimal anastomotic, accessory meningeal, and petrosal rami, and superior tympanic artery; distribution, cranial bones, dura mater.
meningeal artery, posterior origin, ascending pharyngeal; branches, none; distribution, bones and dura mater of posterior cranial fossa.
mesencephalic arteries origin, basilar artery; branches, none; distribution: cerebral peduncle.
mesenteric artery, inferior origin, abdominal aorta; branches, left colic, sigmoid, and superior rectal arteries; distribution, descending colon, rectum.
mesenteric artery, superior origin, abdominal aorta; branches, inferior pancreaticoduodenal, jejunal, ileal, ileocolic, right colic, and middle colic arteries; distribution, small intestine, proximal half of colon.
metacarpal arteries, dorsal origin, dorsal carpal rete and radial artery; branches, dorsal digital arteries; distribution, dorsum of fingers.
metacarpal arteries, palmar origin, deep palmar arch; branches, none; distribution, deep parts of metacarpus.
metatarsal arteries, dorsal origin, arcuate artery of foot; branches, dorsal digital arteries; distribution, dorsum of foot, including toes.
metatarsal arteries, plantar origin, plantar arch; branches, perforating branches, common and proper plantar digital arteries; distribution, toes.
muscular arteries
1. distributing a's.
2. branches of the ophthalmic artery consisting of a superior group and an inferior group; the inferior group gives origin to the anterior ciliary arteries.
musculophrenic artery origin, internal thoracic artery; branches, none; distribution, diaphragm, abdominal and thoracic walls.
nasal arteries, posterior lateral origin, sphenopalatine artery; branches, none; distribution, frontal, maxillary, ethmoidal, and sphenoidal sinuses.
nutrient artery any artery that supplies the marrow of a long bone.
nutrient arteries of femur origin, third perforating artery; branches, none; distribution, femur.
nutrient artery of fibula origin, fibular artery; branches, none; distribution, fibula.
nutrient arteries of humerus origin, brachial and deep brachial arteries; branches, none; distribution, humerus.
nutrient artery of tibia origin, posterior tibial artery; branches, none; distribution, tibia.
obturator artery origin, internal iliac; branches, pubic, acetabular, anterior, and posterior branches; distribution, pelvic muscles, hip joint.
obturator artery, accessory a name given to the obturator artery when it arises from the inferior epigastric instead of the internal iliac artery.
occipital artery origin, external carotid; branches, auricular, meningeal, mastoid, descending, occipital, and sternocleidomastoid rami; distribution, muscles of neck and scalp, meninges, mastoid cells.
occipital artery, lateral origin, terminal, or cortical, part of posterior cerebral artery; branches, lateral occipital artery and anterior temporal, middle intermediate temporal and posterior temporal branches; distribution, anterior, medial, intermediate, and posterior parts of temporal lobe.
occipital artery, middle origin, terminal, or cortical, part of posterior cerebral artery; branches, dorsal corpus callosum, parietal, parieto-occipital, calcarine, and occipitotemporal branches; distribution, dorsum of corpus callosum, precuneus, cuneus, lingual gyrus, and posterior part of lateral surface of occipital lobe.
ophthalmic artery origin, internal carotid; branches, lacrimal, supraorbital, central artery of retina, ciliary, posterior and anterior ethmoidal, palpebral, supratrochlear, dorsal nasal; distribution, eye, orbit, adjacent facial structures.
ovarian artery origin, abdominal aorta; branches, ureteral, tubal; distribution, ureter, ovary, uterine tube.
palatine artery, ascending origin, facial artery; branches, none; distribution, soft palate, wall of pharynx, tonsil, auditory tube.
palatine artery, descending origin, maxillary artery; branches, greater and lesser palatine arteries; distribution, soft palate, hard palate, tonsil.
palatine artery, greater origin, descending palatine; branches, none; distribution, hard palate.
palatine arteries, lesser origin, descending palatine; branches, none; distribution, soft palate, tonsil.
palpebral arteries, lateral origin, lacrimal artery; branches, none; distribution, eyelids, conjunctiva.
palpebral arteries, medial origin, ophthalmic artery; branches, posterior conjunctival; distribution, eyelids.
pancreatic artery, caudal origin, splenic artery; branches and distribution, supplies branches to tail of pancreas, and accessory spleen (if present).
pancreatic artery, dorsal origin, splenic artery; branches, inferior pancreatic artery; distribution, neck and body of pancreas.
pancreatic artery, great origin, splenic artery; branches and distribution, right and left branches anastomose with other pancreatic arteries.
pancreatic artery, inferior origin, dorsal pancreatic; branches, none; distribution, body and tail of pancreas.
pancreaticoduodenal artery, anterior superior origin, gastroduodenal artery; branches, pancreatic and duodenal; distribution, pancreas and duodenum.
pancreaticoduodenal arteries, inferior origin, superior mesenteric artery; branches, anterior, posterior; distribution, pancreas, duodenum.
pancreaticoduodenal artery, posterior superior origin, gastroduodenal artery; branches, pancreatic and duodenal; distribution, pancreas, duodenum.
paracentral artery origin, postcommunical part of anterior cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, cerebral cortex and medial central sulcus.
parietal artery, anterior origin, terminal part of middle cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, anterior parietal lobe.
parietal artery, posterior origin, terminal part of middle cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, posterior parietal lobe.
perforating arteries origin, branches (usually three) of the deep femoral artery that perforate the insertion of the adductor magnus to reach the back of the thigh; branches, nutrient arteries; distribution, adductor, hamstring, and gluteal muscles, and femur.
perforating radiate arteries small arteries that are continuations of the interlobular arteries of kidney and perforate the renal capsule.
pericardiacophrenic artery origin, internal thoracic artery; branches, none; distribution, pericardium, diaphragm, pleura. Called also superior phrenic artery.
perineal artery origin, internal pudendal artery; branches, none; distribution, perineum, skin of external genitalia.
peroneal artery origin, posterior tibial artery; branches, perforating, communicating, calcaneal, and lateral and medial malleolar branches, and calcaneal rete; distribution, outside and back of ankle, deep calf muscles.
pharyngeal artery, ascending origin, external carotid; branches, posterior meningeal, pharyngeal, and inferior tympanic; distribution, pharynx, soft palate, ear, meninges.
phrenic artery, great inferior phrenic a.
phrenic artery, inferior origin, abdominal aorta; branches, superior suprarenal; distribution, diaphragm, suprarenal gland.
phrenic artery, superior origin, thoracic aorta; branches, none; distribution, upper surface of vertebral portion of diaphragm.
plantar artery, deep origin, dorsal artery of foot; branches, none; distribution, sole of foot to help form plantar arch.
plantar artery, lateral origin, posterior tibial artery; branches, plantar arch, and plantar metatarsal arteries; distribution, sole of foot and toes.
plantar artery, medial origin, posterior tibial artery; branches, deep and superficial branches; distribution, sole of the foot and toes.
pontine arteries origin, basilar artery; branches, none; distribution, pons and adjacent areas of brain.
popliteal artery origin, continuation of femoral artery; branches, lateral and medial superior genicular, middle genicular, sural, lateral and medial inferior genicular, anterior and posterior tibial arteries, and the genicular articular and the patellar rete; distribution, knee, calf.
artery of postcentral sulcus origin, terminal part of middle cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, cortex on either side of postcentral sulcus.
artery of precentral sulcus origin, terminal part of middle cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, cortex on either side of precentral sulcus.
precuneal artery origin, postcommunical part of the anterior cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, inferior precuneus.
prepancreatic artery an arterial arch between the neck and uncinate process of the pancreas, formed by the right branch of the dorsal ramus of the splenic artery and a branch from the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery.
princeps pollicis artery , principal artery of thumb origin, radial artery; branches, radial of index finger; distribution, each side and palmar aspect of thumb.
artery of pterygoid canal origin, maxillary artery; branches, pterygoid; distribution, roof of pharynx, auditory tube.
pudendal artery, deep external origin, femoral artery; branches, anterior scrotal or anterior labial branches, inguinal branches; distribution, external genitalia, upper medial thigh.
pudendal artery, internal origin, internal iliac artery; branches, posterior scrotal or posterior labial branches and inferior rectal, perineal, urethral arteries, artery of bulb of penis or vestibule, deep artery of penis or clitoris, dorsal artery of penis or clitoris; distribution, external genitalia, anal canal, perineum.
pudendal artery, superficial external origin, femoral artery; branches, none; distribution, external genitalia.
pulmonary artery pulmonary trunk.
pulmonary artery, left origin, pulmonary trunk; branches, of superior lobe: apical, ascending and descending, posterior, lingular (inferior and superior), of inferior lobe: superior, anterior basal, lateral basal, medial basal, posterior basal; distribution, left lung.
pulmonary artery, right origin, pulmonary trunk; branches, of superior lobe: apical, anterior ascending and descending, posterior ascending and descending, of medial lobe: medial and lateral, of inferior lobe: anterior basal, lateral basal, medial basal; posterior basal; distribution, right lung.
radial artery origin, brachial artery; branches, palmar carpal, superficial palmar and dorsal carpal rami, recurrent radial artery, principal artery of thumb, deep palmar arch; distribution, forearm, wrist, hand.
radial artery, collateral radial collateral a.
radial index artery , radial artery of index finger, radialis indicis artery origin, principal artery of thumb; branches, none; distribution, index finger.
radiate arteries of kidney interlobular a's of kidney.
ranine artery deep lingual a.
rectal artery, inferior origin, internal pudendal artery; branches, none; distribution, rectum, anal canal.
rectal artery, middle origin, internal iliac artery; branches, vaginal; distribution, rectum, prostate, seminal vesicles, vagina.
rectal artery, superior origin, inferior mesenteric artery; branches, none; distribution, rectum.
recurrent artery, anterior tibial origin, anterior tibial artery; branches, none; distribution, tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, knee joint, contiguous fascia and skin.
recurrent artery, posterior tibial origin, anterior tibial artery; branches, none; distribution, knee.
recurrent artery, radial origin, radial artery; branches, none; distribution, brachioradialis, brachialis, elbow region.
renal artery
1. origin, abdominal aorta; branches, ureteral branches, inferior suprarenal artery; distribution, kidney, suprarenal gland, ureter.
2. (pl.) intrarenal a's.
retroduodenal arteries origin, first branch of gastroduodenal; branches, none; distribution, bile duct, duodenum, head of pancreas.
artery of round ligament of uterus origin, inferior epigastric artery; branches, none; distribution, round ligament of uterus.
sacral arteries, lateral origin, iliolumbar artery; branches, spinal branches; distribution, structures about coccyx and sacrum.
sacral artery, median origin, continuation of abdominal aorta; branches, lowest lumbar artery; distribution, sacrum, coccyx, rectum.
scapular artery, dorsal
1. origin, second or third part of subclavian artery, or may be the deep branch of transverse cervical artery; branches, none; distribution, rhomboid, latissimus dorsi, and trapezius muscles.
2. a branch that descends to supply medial and deep back muscles; sometimes replaced by an artery stemming directly from the subclavian artery.
scapular artery, transverse suprascapular a.
sciatic artery origin, inferior gluteal artery; branches, none; distribution, accompanies sciatic nerve.
segmental arteries of kidney a group of arteries originating from the anterior or posterior branch of the renal artery, consisting of the anterior, anterior inferior, anterior superior, and posterior segmental arteries; each supplies the corresponding renal segment.
segmental arteries of left lung branches of the left pulmonary artery that supply segments of the left lung; variable, but often including lingular arteries and anterior, apical, posterior, superior, anterior basal, lateral basal, medial basal, and posterior basal segmental arteries, named for the segment supplied.
segmental arteries of liver a group of arteries originating from the right or left branch of the proper hepatic artery, consisting of the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral segmental arteries; each supplies the corresponding region of the liver.
segmental arteries of right lung branches of the right pulmonary artery that supply segments of the right lung; variable, but often including anterior, apical, medial, lateral, posterior, superior, anterior basal, lateral basal, medial basal, and posterior basal segmental arteries, named for the segment supplied.
septal arteries, anterior branches of the anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery that supply about the anterior two-thirds of the interventricular septum.
septal arteries, posterior numerous relatively small branches of the posterior interventricular branch of the right coronary artery that supply about the posterior one-third of the interventricular septum.
sigmoid arteries origin, inferior mesenteric artery; branches, none; distribution, sigmoid colon.
spermatic artery, external cremasteric a.
sphenopalatine artery origin, maxillary artery; branches, posterior lateral nasal artery and posterior septal branches; distribution, structures adjoining nasal cavity, nasopharynx.
spinal arteries branches of the transverse part of the vertebral artery; they supply the spinal cord and its meninges, the vertebral bodies, and the intervertebral disks.
spinal artery, anterior origin, intracranial part of vertebral artery; branches, none; distribution, spinal cord.
spinal artery, posterior origin, posterior inferior cerebellar artery (usually); branches, none; distribution, spinal cord.
splenic artery origin, celiac trunk; branches, pancreatic and splenic branches, prepancreatic, left gastroomental, and short gastric arteries; distribution, spleen, pancreas, stomach, greater omentum.
straight arteries of kidney straight arterioles of kidney.
stylomastoid artery origin, posterior auricular; branches, mastoid and stapedial branches, posterior tympanic artery; distribution, tympanic cavity walls, mastoid cells, stapedius muscle.
subclavian artery origin, brachiocephalic trunk (right), arch of aorta (left); branches, vertebral, internal thoracic arteries, thyrocervical and costocervical trunks; distribution, neck, thoracic wall, spinal cord, brain, meninges, upper limb.
subcostal artery origin, thoracic aorta; branches, dorsal and spinal branches; distribution, upper posterior abdominal wall.
sublingual artery origin, lingual artery; branches, none; distribution, sublingual gland.
submental artery origin, facial artery; branches, none; distribution, tissues under chin.
subscapular artery origin, axillary artery; branches, thoracodorsal and circumflex scapular arteries; distribution, scapular and shoulder region.
superior artery of cerebellum superior cerebellar a.
supraduodenal artery origin, gastroduodenal; branches, duodenal; distribution, superior part of duodenum.
supraorbital artery origin, ophthalmic artery; branches, superficial, deep, diploic; distribution, forehead, upper muscles of orbit, upper eyelid, frontal sinus.
suprarenal artery, inferior origin, renal artery; branches, none; distribution, suprarenal gland.
suprarenal artery, middle origin, abdominal aorta; branches, none; distribution, suprarenal gland.
suprarenal arteries, superior origin, inferior phrenic artery; branches, none; distribution, suprarenal gland.
suprascapular artery origin, thyrocervical trunk; branches, acromial branch; distribution, clavicular, deltoid, and scapular regions.
supratrochlear artery origin, ophthalmic artery; branches, none; distribution, anterior scalp.
sural arteries origin, popliteal artery; branches, none; distribution, popliteal space, calf.
sylvian artery middle cerebral a.
artery to tail of pancreas caudal pancreatic a.
tarsal artery, lateral origin, dorsal artery of foot; branches, none; distribution, tarsus.
tarsal arteries, medial origin, dorsal artery of foot; branches, none; distribution, side of foot.
temporal artery, anterior origin, middle cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, cortex of anterior temporal lobe.
temporal artery, anterior deep origin, maxillary artery; branches, to zygomatic bone and greater wing of sphenoid bone; distribution, temporal muscle, and anastomoses with middle temporal artery.
temporal artery, intermediate middle temporal a. (def. 2).
temporal artery, middle
1. origin, superficial temporal artery; branches, none; distribution temporal region.
2. origin, middle cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, cortex of temporal lobe between anterior and posterior arteries.
temporal artery, posterior origin, middle cerebral artery; branches, none; distribution, cortex of posterior temporal lobe.
temporal artery, posterior deep origin, maxillary artery; branches, none; distribution, temporal muscle, and anastomoses with middle temporal artery.
temporal artery, superficial origin, external carotid; branches, parotid, auricular, and occipital branches, transverse facial, zygomaticoorbital, and middle temporal arteries; distribution, parotid and temporal regions.
terminal artery
1. end a.
2. an artery that does not divide into branches, but is directly continuous with capillaries.
testicular artery origin, abdominal aorta; branches, ureteral, epididymal; distribution, ureter, epididymis, testis.
thoracic artery, internal origin, subclavian artery; branches, mediastinal, thymic, bronchial, tracheal, sternal, perforating, medial mammary, lateral costal, and anterior intercostal branches, pericardiacophrenic, musculophrenic, and superior epigastric arteries; distribution, anterior thoracic wall, mediastinal structures, diaphragm.
thoracic artery, lateral origin, axillary artery; branches, mammary branches; distribution, pectoral muscles, mammary gland.
thoracic artery, superior origin, axillary artery; branches, none; distribution, axillary aspect of chest wall.
thoracicoacromial artery origin, axillary artery; branches, clavicular, pectoral, deltoid, acromial branches; distribution, deltoid, clavicular, and thoracic regions.
thoracodorsal artery origin, subscapular artery; branches, none; distribution, subscapular and teres major and minor muscles.
thyroid artery, inferior origin, thyrocervical trunk; branches, pharyngeal, esophageal, and tracheal branches, inferior laryngeal and ascending cervical arteries; distribution, thyroid gland and adjacent structures.
thyroid artery, lowest origin, arch of aorta, brachiocephalic trunk, or right common carotid, internal mammary, subclavian, or inferior thyroid arteries; branches, none; distribution, thyroid gland.
thyroid artery, superior origin, external carotid artery; branches, hyoid, sternocleidomastoid, superior laryngeal, cricothyroid, muscular, and anterior, posterior, and lateral glandular branches; distribution, thyroid gland and adjacent structures.
tibial artery, anterior origin, popliteal artery; branches, posterior and anterior tibial recurrent, and lateral and medial anterior malleolar arteries, lateral and medial malleolar retes; distribution, leg, ankle, foot.
tibial artery, posterior origin, popliteal artery; branches, fibular circumflex branch, fibular, medial plantar, and lateral plantar arteries; distribution, leg, foot.
transverse artery of face transverse facial a.
transverse artery of neck transverse cervical a.
tympanic artery, anterior origin, maxillary artery; branches, none; distribution, tympanic cavity.
tympanic artery, inferior origin, ascending pharyngeal; branches, none; distribution, tympanic cavity.
tympanic artery, posterior origin, stylomastoid artery; branches, none; distribution, tympanic cavity.
tympanic artery, superior origin, middle meningeal artery; branches, none; distribution, tympanic cavity.
ulnar artery origin, brachial artery; branches, palmar carpal, dorsal carpal, and deep palmar branches, ulnar recurrent and common interosseous arteries, superficial palmar arch; distribution, forearm, wrist, hand.
ulnar collateral artery see collateral a., inferior ulnar, and collateral a., superior ulnar.
umbilical artery origin, internal iliac artery; branches, deferential, superior vesical arteries; distribution, ductus deferens, seminal vesicles, testes, urinary bladder, ureter.
urethral artery origin, internal pudendal artery; branches, none; distribution, urethra.
uterine artery origin, internal iliac artery; branches, ovarian and tubal branches, vaginal artery; distribution, uterus, vagina, round ligament of uterus, uterine tube, ovary.
vaginal artery origin, uterine artery; branches, none; distribution, vagina, fundus of bladder.
vertebral artery divided into four parts: the first or prevertebral part, the second or atlantal part, the third or transverse part, and the fourth or intracranial part; origin, subclavian artery; branches, transverse part: spinal and muscular branches; intracranial part: anterior spinal artery, and posterior inferior cerebellar artery and its branches; distribution, muscles of neck, vertebrae, spinal cord, cerebellum, interior of cerebrum.
vesical artery, inferior origin, internal iliac; branches, prostatic; distribution, bladder, prostate, seminal vesicles, lower ureter.
vesical arteries, superior origin, umbilical artery; branches, none; distribution, bladder, urachus, ureter.
zygomaticoorbital artery origin, superficial temporal; branches, none; distribution, lateral side of orbit.
per·i·car·di·a·co·phren·ic artery (p r  -kär-d  -k -frn k)n. An artery with its origin in the internal thoracic artery, with distribution to the pericardium, diaphragm, and pleura; and with anastomoses to phrenic arteries and branches of the internal thoracic artery. |
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