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. 

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
arteries of kidney intrarenal a's.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
artery
(art'e-re) plural.arteries [Gr. arteria, windpipe, artery] 

SYSTEMIC ARTERIES


SYSTEMIC ARTERIES


STRUCTURE OF AN ARTERY
A vessel carrying blood from the heart to the tissues.. Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs to pick up oxygen and to release carbon dioxide; in contrast, systemic arteries carry oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body. See:
illustrationAnatomy
Structurally, a typical artery has three tissue layers: the inner layer (tunica intima) has endothelial tissue; the middle layer (tunica media) has smooth muscle and elastic connective tissue; and the outer layer (tunica externa) has connective tissue. See: illustration
accessory meningeal artery
The fourth branch of the first segment of the maxillary artery. It enters the cranial cavity through the foramen ovale.
adrenal artery
The superior, the middle, or the inferior adrenal artery, all of which supply blood to the adrenal glands. The superior adrenal artery is a branch of the inferior phrenic artery, the middle adrenal artery is a branch of the aorta, and the inferior adrenal artery is a branch of the renal artery.
Synonym: suprarenal arteryalar artery
The branch of the angular artery that supplies the tissues of the ala nasi.
alveolar artery
The superior or the inferior alveolar artery (branches of the maxillary artery), which supply blood to the bones, gingivae, and teeth of the upper and lower jaws.
angular artery
The artery at the inner canthus of the eye; the facial artery.
anterior cerebral artery
An artery that supplies blood to the medial side of the cerebral hemisphere and the corpus callosum; it is part of the circle of Willis, and it branches from the internal carotid artery at the base of the brain. The anterior cerebral artery anastomoses with the contralateral anterior cerebral artery via the anterior communicating artery.
See: brain (Major arteries of the brain) and circle of Willis for illus. anterior communicating artery
The front-most link in the arterial loop called the circle of Willis; it interconnects the right and left anterior cerebral arteries.
See: brain (Major arteries of the brain) and circle of Willis for illus. anterior inferior cerebellar artery
A branch of the basilar artery; it runs dorsally along the posterior edge of the pons and supplies blood to the hindbrain, the superior and middle cerebellar peduncles, and portions of the ventral cerebellum.
See: brain (Major arteries of the brain) for illus.anterior interosseous artery
A branch of the common interosseous artery; it runs through the forearm on the anterior interosseous membrane.
anterior interventricular artery
Left anterior descending coronary artery.anterior spinal artery
The left and right anterior spinal arteries are initially branches from the vertebral arteries, but as they descend to the hindbrain-spinal cord junction, they merge into a single midline artery that runs along the ventral surface of the spinal cord (in the anterior median sulcus). At each intervertebral foramen, radicular arteries join the anterior spinal artery, which supplies blood to the ventral half of the spinal cord.
anterior tibial artery
The terminal branch of the popliteal artery or the initial branch of the posterior tibial artery; it runs along the front of the leg alongside the peroneal (fibular) nerve. Its branches include the anterior and posterior tibial recurrent arteries and anterior medial and anterior lateral malleolar arteries; in the foot, it continues as the dorsalis pedis artery.
See: aortafor illus.appendicular artery
A branch of the ileocolic artery; it supplies blood to the terminal ileum and appendix.
arcuate artery
In the kidneys, a branch of the interlobar arteries that runs along the base of the pyramids. Branches of the arcuate arteries are called the interlobular arteries, and these give rise to the afferent glomerular arteries.
ascending cervical artery
A small branch of the inferior thyroid artery; it runs up along the cervical vertebrae and provides blood to adjacent neck muscles.
ascending pharyngeal artery
The first or second branch of the external carotid artery; it runs along the pharynx, and it supplies blood to the pharynx, the soft palate, the prevertebral muscles, and the meninges. Its branches include the posterior meningeal and the inferior tympanic arteries. Synonym: pharyngeal artery
auditory artery
Internal auditory artery.auricular artery
Posterior auricular artery.axial artery
In the embryo, the precursor to the continuous subclavian, axillary, brachial, and interosseous arteries.
axillary artery
The continuation of the subclavian artery beyond the lateral border of the first rib; its name changes to the brachial artery when it passes the lower border of the tendon of the teres major muscle. Its branches (from medial to lateral) are the supreme (superior) thoracic, thoracoacromial, lateral thoracic, subscapular, and anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries.
See: brachial arteryfor illus. basilar artery
The major artery supplying blood to the brainstem and the cerebellum. It forms as the union of the vertebral arteries on the ventral surface of the hindbrain; it runs as far as the midbrain, just rostral to the oculomotor nerves, where it splits into the right and left posterior cerebral arteries. Major branches include the pontine, internal auditory (labyrinthine), anterior inferior cerebellar, and superior cerebellar arteries. Strokes involving the basilar artery can produce damage to the cerebellum and to regions of the hindbrain regulating essential vegetative functions, such as consciousness and respiration.
See: brain (Major arteries of the brain); circle of Willis; and head (Arteries and veins of the head) for illus.

BRACHIAL ARTERY
brachial artery
The main artery of the arm. The brachial artery is a continuation of the axillary artery and it runs on the inside (medial side) of the arm; it terminates by splitting into the radial and ulnar arteries. Its main branches include the deep brachial (profunda brachii) artery and the superior and inferior ulnar collateral arteries.
See: illustrationbrachiocephalic artery
Innominate artery.bronchial artery
A branch of the thoracic aorta or the upper intercostal arteries; usually there are two left bronchial arteries and one right bronchial artery. The bronchial arteries follow the arborization of the bronchial tree and supply oxygenated blood to the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles and to the connective tissue of the lungs. The first branches of the bronchial arteries include small arteries to the esophagus, pericardium, and mediastinum.
See: aorta for illus.carotid artery
The common, the internal, or the external carotid artery.
celiac artery
The first unpaired midline artery branching from the abdominal aorta. It supplies blood to the foregut, i.e., the stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, and proximal half of the duodenum. The celiac artery is short and wide; its branches include the left gastric, the splenic, and the common hepatic arteries.
Synonym: celiac trunk See: aorta for illus.central retinal artery
A branch of the ophthalmic artery that enters the optic nerve in the rear of the orbit. The central retinal artery then emerges (usually as four branches, the superior and inferior temporal, and the superior and inferior nasal arteries) into the retina through the optic disc amidst the optic axons.
cerebellar artery
The anterior inferior, the posterior inferior, or the superior cerebellar artery.
cerebral artery
The anterior, the middle, or the posterior cerebral artery.
cervical artery
The ascending cervical, the deep cervical, the superficial cervical, or the transverse cervical artery.
choroidal artery
The anterior choroidal artery or one of the posterior choroidal arteries. The anterior choroidal artery it is a branch of the internal carotid artery; it supplies blood to the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle, the optic tract, the lateral geniculate body, the posterior limb of the internal capsule, the globus pallidus, and parts of the thalamus. The posterior choroidal arteries are branches of the posterior cerebral artery; they supply blood to the choroid plexus of the third ventricle.
ciliary artery
The anterior ciliary, the short posterior ciliary, or the long posterior ciliary arteries, which supply blood to the walls, intraocular structures, and choroid layer of the eye.
circumflex coronary artery
Left circumflex artery.circumflex femoral artery
The lateral or the medial circumflex femoral artery, both of which are branches of the deep femoral artery and innervate thigh muscles.
circumflex humeral artery
The anterior or the posterior circumflex humeral artery, both of which are branches of the axillary artery. The anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries anastomose and supply blood to the surgical neck of the humerus and the deltoid, the coracobrachialis, and the heads of the biceps muscles.
Synonym: humeral circumflex artery See: brachial artery for illus.circumflex iliac artery
The deep circumflex iliac artery. It is a branch of the external iliac artery and it innervates the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles.
circumflex scapular artery
A branch of the subscapular artery. It supplies blood to the infraspinatus and subscapularis muscles and it anastomoses with the transverse cervical and suprascapular arteries.
coccygeal artery
Any of the branches of the internal iliac artery that supply blood to the coccyx and its surrounding tissues.
coiled artery
Spiral artery.colic artery
The right, the middle, or the left colic artery.
collateral artery
The radial collateral, the median collateral, or the ulnar collateral artery, all of which are branches of the brachial artery and supply blood to the arm.
common carotid artery
A major artery to the head. The left common carotid usually arises from the aortic arch proximal to the left subclavian; the right common carotid is a branch of the brachiocephalic artery. Each common carotid artery runs rostrally in the carotid sheath and enters the neck (behind the sternocleidomastoid muscle) without branching; in the neck, between the level of the top of the trachea and the floor of the mouth, each common carotid artery divides into an internal and an external carotid artery.
See: head (Arteries and veins of the head)aorta (Branches of aorta)heart (The heart) for illus. common hepatic artery
A branch of the celiac artery. It runs forward and to the right. After giving off the gastroduodenal artery, the common hepatic artery continues toward the liver as the hepatic artery.
common iliac artery
Either of the pair of terminal branches of the abdominal aorta, each supplying blood to one side of the pelvis, abdominal wall, and lower limbs. Its two branches are the external and the internal iliac arteries.
See: aorta (Branches of aorta)for illus.common interosseous artery
A branch of the ulnar artery; the branches of the common interosseous artery include the posterior and the anterior interosseous arteries.
See: brachial artery for illus. communicating artery
The anterior or the posterior communicating artery in the circle of Willis at the base of the brain.


CORONARY ARTERIES
coronary artery
The right coronary artery, the left coronary artery, or their main branches. See: illustration
cremasteric artery
A branch of the inferior epigastric artery. In the male, it runs with and supplies blood to the spermatic cord; in the female, it runs with the round ligament.
cystic artery
A branch of either the hepatic or the right hepatic artery. It follows the cystic duct to the gallbladder.
deep brachial artery
Profunda brachii artery.deep cervical artery
A branch of the costocervical trunk (from the subclavian artery). It runs to the cervical vertebrae, it supplies blood to the semispinalis cervicis muscles, and it anastomoses with the descending branch of the occipital artery.
deep femoral artery
A branch of the femoral artery; it originates from the posterior side of the femoral artery and it runs in the posterior thigh. Its branches include the medial circumflex femoral and the lateral circumflex femoral arteries.
Synonym: profunda femoris artery See: aorta (Branches of aorta) for illus.deep temporal artery
The posterior or the anterior deep temporal artery, which are the second and fifth branches of the second segment of the maxillary artery. These arteries supply blood to the temporalis muscle.
descending palatine artery
A branch of the maxillary artery; it runs downward in the greater palatine canal. Its branches include the lesser and the greater palatine arteries.
digital artery
The digital arteries run with the digital nerves along the medial and lateral sides of each finger.
See: brachial artery for illus. dominant artery
In cardiology, the coronary artery that supplies the posterior descending artery (PDA) of the heart. The coronary circulation is said to be “right dominant” when the PDA receives its blood flow from the right coronary artery, and “left dominant” when its flow comes from the left coronary artery, via the left circumflex artery.
dorsalis pedis artery
The continuation of the anterior tibial artery beyond the ankle; it supplies blood to the foot.
dorsal artery of the penis
A branch of the internal pudendal artery; the dorsal arteries run inside the Buck fascia along the dorsal surface of the penis, on either side of the deep dorsal vein.
dorsal scapular artery
A branch of the subclavian artery; it runs with the dorsal scapular nerve and supplies blood to the rhomboid, latissimus dorsi, and trapezus muscles.
elastic artery
A large artery in which elastic connective tissue is predominant in the middle layer (tunica media). Elastic arteries include the aorta and its larger branches (brachiocephalic, common carotid, subclavian, and common iliac), which conduct blood to the muscular arteries.
end artery
An artery whose branches do not anastomose with those of other arteries, e.g., arteries to the brain and spinal cord. Synonym: terminal artery
epigastric artery
The superior or the inferior epigastric artery.
esophageal artery
The superior or the inferior epigastric artery. Both types of esophageal arteries anastomose with each other.
ethmoidal artery
The anterior or the posterior ethmoidal artery, both of which are branches of the ophthalmic artery and supply blood to the paranasal sinuses and the walls of the nasal cavity.
external carotid artery
One of the two terminal divisions of the common carotid artery; it supplies blood to the extracranial parts of the head. The external carotid arises from the common carotid artery at about the level of the top of the trachea; it then runs behind the neck of the mandible toward the rear of the parotid gland. Its major branches are (from bottom to top): the ascending pharyngeal, superior thyroid, lingual, facial, maxillary, occipital, posterior auricular, and superficial temporal arteries.
See: head (Arteries and veins of the head) for illus. external iliac artery
One of the two end branches of the common iliac artery; it runs, retroperitoneally, along the linea terminalis of the pelvis. Its branches include the inferior epigastric artery and the deep circumflex iliac artery.
See: aorta (Branches of aorta) for illus.external pudendal artery
The deep external pudendal artery; it is a branch of the femoral artery, and it supplies blood to the scrotum or the labium majus.
facial artery
The fourth branch of the external carotid artery; it supplies blood to the submandibular gland, the lips, the nose, the facial muscles, and the angle of the eye. Its branches include the ascending palatine, tonsillar, submental, inferior and superior labial, and lateral nasal arteries.
See: head (Arteries and veins of the head) for illus. femoral artery
The continuation of the external iliac artery beyond the inguinal ligament; it runs in the femoral sheath between the femoral nerve (laterally) and the femoral vein (medially). Branches of the femoral artery include the superficial epigastric, the superficial circumflex iliac, the external pudendal, the deep femoral, and the descending genicular arteries. Behind the knee, the femoral artery continues as the popliteal artery.
See: aorta (Branches of aorta) for illus.fibular artery
Peroneal artery.gastric artery
The left or the right gastric artery, , or a short gastric artery.
gastroduodenal artery
A branch of the common hepatic artery; it runs behind the duodenum and branches into the right gastroepiploic artery and the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery.
gastroepiploic artery
The right or the left gastroepiploic artery.
genicular artery
The descending genicular artery, which is a branch of the femoral artery; or the lateral superior, medial superior, lateral inferior, medial inferior, or middle genicular arteries, which are branches of the popliteal artery.
gluteal artery
The inferior or the superior gluteal artery.
glaserian artery
A branch of the internal maxillary artery that supplies the tympanum.
greater palatine artery
A branch of the maxillary artery; it runs in the roof of the mouth and supplies blood to the palate, the incisive canal, and the nasal septum.
hemorrhoidal artery
Rectal artery.hepatic artery
The continuation of the common hepatic artery past the point from which the gastroduodenal artery branches off. The single (unpaired) hepatic artery gives off a branch to the gallbladder, i.e., the cystic artery and a branch to the stomach, i.e., the right gastric artery, before it divides into a right and left hepatic artery, which deliver systemic (oxygenated) blood to the liver.
See: liver for illus.high-takeoff coronary artery
A coronary artery that originates more than a centimeter above the sinotubular junction of the aorta.
humeral circumflex artery
Circumflex humeral arteryhyaloid artery
A fetal artery that supplies nutrition to the lens. It disappears in the later months of gestation.
hypogastric artery
Internal iliac artery.hypophyseal artery
The superior or the interior hypophyseal artery, both of which are intracranial branches of the internal carotid or the posterior communicating arteries and both supply blood to the hypophysis (pituitary gland).
ileal artery
A branch of the ileocolic artery; it supplies blood to the lower ileum.
ileocolic artery
A lower branch of the superior mesenteric artery; it runs down and to the right to supply blood to the lower portion of the ascending colon and the ileocolic junction. Its inferior branch gives rise to the ascending colic, cecal, appendicular, and ileal arteries.
iliac artery
The common, the external, or the internal iliac artery.
iliolumbar artery
A branch of the internal iliac artery; it supplies blood to the iliacus, psoas major, and quadratus lumborum muscles.
infarct-related artery
An artery whose obstruction has resulted in the death of tissue, typically, in the heart or brain.
inferior alveolar artery
The fifth branch of the first segment of the maxillary artery. With the inferior alveolar nerve, the inferior alveolar artery enters the mandibular canal through the mandibular foramen. Before entering the foramen, the inferior alveolar artery gives off the mylohyoid artery; the terminal branch of the inferior alveolar artery is the mental artery.
inferior epigastric artery
A branch of the external iliac artery, just above the inguinal ligament; it runs upward and medially along the anterior abdominal wall medial to the internal inguinal ring. It then continues upward in the rectus sheath and eventually anastomoses with the superior epigastric artery, which is running downward in the sheath.
inferior gluteal artery
A branch of the internal iliac artery; it leaves the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen, below the piriformis muscle, and it supplies blood to the gluteus maximus muscle. Its branches include the sciatic and coccygeal arteries, and it anastomoses with the lateral and medial circumflex femoral arteries.
inferior labial artery
A branch of the facial artery; it runs beneath the muscles of the lower lip and anastomoses with the mental artery and the contralateral inferior labial artery.
inferior mesenteric artery
The third unpaired midline artery that branches from the abdominal aorta; it originates 3 to 4 cm proximal to the aortic bifurcation. It supplies blood to the hindgut, i.e., the distal half of the transverse colon, the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, and the rectum. Its branches include the left colic, sigmoid, and superior rectal arteries.
See: aorta (Branches of aorta), circulation (Circulation of blood through heart and major vessels) for illus. inferior pancreatic artery
A branch of the superior mesenteric artery; it supplies blood to the proximal duodenum and the head of the pancreas, and it anastomoses with the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery.
inferior phrenic artery
A branch of the abdominal aorta just below the diaphragm; it supplies blood to the diaphragm. Its branches include the superior adrenal arteries.
Synonym: phrenic artery See: aorta (Branches of aorta) for illus.inferior rectal artery
A branch of the pudendal artery; its two or three branches supply blood to the anus.
inferior thyroid artery
A branch of the thyrocervical trunk (from the subclavian artery); it winds upward behind the carotid sheath and then runs medially toward the thyroid gland. Its branches include the ascending cervical, pharyngeal, inferior laryngeal, and superior and inferior thyroid arteries.
infraorbital artery
A branch of the maxillary artery; it enters the rear of the orbit through the inferior orbital fissure, it runs in the infraorbital groove, and it emerges on the face through the infraorbital foramen. It supplies blood to the canine and incisor teeth, the lower eyelid, upper lip, and cheek.
innominate artery
The large artery arising from the arch of the aorta, deep to the manubrium of the sternum, and running to the right. It ends by dividing into the right subclavian and the right common carotid arteries. Synonym:
brachiocephalic artery;
brachiocephalic trunk See: aorta (Branches of aorta); circulation (Circulation of blood through heart and major vessels); head (Arteries and veins of the head) for illus.intercostal artery
Any of the nine pairs of arteries that originate from the dorsal side of the thoracic aorta and run horizontally between the ribs to supply blood to the skin, muscles, and bones of the chest wall. These aortic intercostal arteries run in interspaces 3 to 11. The intercostal arteries of the first two interspaces are branches of the superior intercostal artery (a branch of the costocervical trunk of the subclavian artery). The anterior (sternal) segments of the upper nine intercostal spaces receive their blood supplies from the anterior intercostal arteries, which are branches of the internal mammary artery.
Synonym: posterior intercostal artery See: aorta (Branches of aorta)for illus.interlobar artery
A branch of the lobar artery of the kidney; it runs between the kidney pyramids and toward the cortex of the kidney. The interlobar arteries give rise to the arcuate arteries, which run along the bases of the pyramids.
interlobular artery
A branch of the arcuate artery in the kidney. The interlobular arteries run in the cortex of the kidney and give rise to the afferent glomerular arteries.
internal auditory artery
A branch of the basilar artery; it enters the internal auditory meatus, with the facial (CN VII) and vestibuloaccoustic (CN VIII) nerves, and supplies blood to the cochlea, the labyrinth, and the facial nerve.
internal carotid artery
One of the two divisions of the common carotid artery. After branching from the common carotid, the internal carotid continues in the carotid sheath to the carotid foramen in the base of the skull just anterior to the jugular foramen. The internal carotid then turns forward and runs in the carotid canal inside the petrous part of the temporal bone. Passing over the foramen lacerum, the internal carotid emerges from its canal and follows the carotid groove upward along the medial wall of the middle cranial fossa, passing through the cavernous sinus. Just below the optic nerve, the internal carotid loops back and turns upward to become the middle cerebral artery of the circle of Willis. As it passes the optic nerve, the internal carotid puts out its first major branch, the ophthalmic artery.
Each internal carotid artery supplies blood to the ipsilateral eye and about 80% of the ipsilateral brain, including most of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes and the basal ganglia. These regions include the primary motor and sensory cortices; therefore, a blockage of the internal carotid artery circulation, e.g., a unilateral ischemic stroke, often produces unilateral motor weakness or sensory loss on the opposite side of the body.
In the neck, the internal carotid artery contains two receptor sites, the carotid body, a chemoreceptor for the oxygen concentration of the blood, and baroreceptors that detect and respond to arterial pressure.
See: head (Arteries and veins of the head) ; brain (Major arteries of the brain); and circle of Willis for illus.internal iliac artery
One of the two branches of the common iliac artery; it arises at the level of the lumbosacral disc.
Synonym: hypogastric artery See: aorta (Branches of aorta)for illus.internal mammary artery
Abbreviation: IMA
A branch of the subclavian artery that runs down the anterior wall of the thorax lateral to the sternum. Its branches include the anterior intercostal arteries, which supply blood to the anterior (sternal) segments of the upper nine intercostal spaces, and the musculophrenic arteries, which supply blood to the anterior (sternal) segments of intercostal spaces 7 to 11. The internal mammary artery continues in the abdominal wall as the superior epigastric artery. The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is the artery most commonly used in coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Synonym: internal thoracic arteryinternal pudendal artery
A branch of the internal iliac artery. The internal pudendal artery leaves the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen alongside the inferior gluteal artery, below the piriformis muscle; the artery then reenters the pelvis, running into the ischiorectal fossa via the lesser sciatic foramen. Its branches include the posterior scrotal, posterior labial, perineal, and inferior rectal arteries and the deep artery of the penis or clitoris, the dorsal artery of the penis or clitoris, and the artery of the bulb of the penis.
internal spermatic artery
Testicular artery.internal thoracic artery
Abbreviation: ITA
Internal mammary artery.interosseous artery
The anterior, the common, or the posterior interosseous artery.
intersegmental artery
In the embryo, any one of the ladders of arteries branching from the dorsal aorta and running with the spinal nerves.
interventricular artery
The left anterior descending coronary artery or the posterior descending coronary artery.
jejunal artery
Any of the branches of the superior mesenteric artery that supply blood to the jejunum.
labial artery
The superior or the inferior labial artery.
labyrinthine artery
A branch of the basilar or the anterior inferior cerebellar artery; it enters the internal acoustic meatus and supplies blood to the inner ear.
lateral plantar artery
One of the two terminal branches of the posterior tibial artery; it runs in an arc on the plantar side of the foot, first coursing laterally from the medial side of the calcaneus bone and then curving medially to form the plantar arterial arch.
lateral thoracic artery
A branch of the axillary artery; it supplies blood to the pectoralis minor muscle and to the mammary gland.
laryngeal artery
The superior laryngeal artery (a branch of the superior thyroid artery) or the inferior laryngeal artery (a branch of the inferior thyroid artery), which supply blood to the larynx.
left anterior descending artery
Abbreviation: LAD
Left anterior descending coronary artery.left anterior descending coronary artery
Abbreviation: LAD coronary artery
One of two major branches of the left coronary artery. It runs down the anterior interventricular groove, and it supplies blood to the anterior walls of the right and left ventricles and to the interventricular septum.
Synonym: anterior interventricular artery; left anterior descending artery; left descending artery; left descending coronary artery See: heart for illus.left circumflex artery
Abbreviation: LCx
An artery that branches from the left main coronary artery and runs to the left, in the atrioventricular groove, i.e., the coronary sulcus, around the lateral and posterior sides of the heart. It supplies blood to portions of the left ventricle and left atrium.
Synonym: circumflex coronary artery; left circumflex coronary artery See: heart (The heart) for illus.left circumflex coronary artery
Left circumflex artery.left colic artery
An upper branch of the inferior mesenteric artery; it runs to the left, it supplies blood to the descending colon, and it anastomoses with the middle colic artery and the upper sigmoid artery.
left common carotid artery
The second branch of the aortic arch; it supplies blood to the left side of the neck and head.
left coronary artery
Abbreviation: LCA
One of the two main epicardial arteries that feed the heart muscle. It originates from the left aortic sinus, a dilation in the aorta just behind one of the leaflets of the aortic valve. At the level of the junction between the atria and the ventricles, the left coronary splits into the circumflex artery, which runs to the left along the outside of the heart in the atrioventricular groove, and the left anterior descending artery, which continues down the interventricular groove. Among the heart regions it supplies are most of left atrium, the left ventricle, and the interventricular septum.
Synonym: left main coronary artery See: aorta (Branches of aorta)for illus.; heart (The heart) for illus.left descending artery
Left anterior descending coronary artery.left descending coronary artery
Left anterior descending coronary artery.left gastric artery
A branch of the celiac artery that runs along the lesser curvature of the stomach, to which it supplies blood; its esophageal branches supply blood to the esophagus below the diaphragm.
See: circulation (Circulation of blood through heart and major vessels) for illus.left gastroepiploic artery
A branch of the splenic artery; it runs down along the greater curvature of the stomach, to which it supplies blood.
left main coronary artery
Left coronary artery.lenticulostriate artery
A branch of the middle or the anterior cerebral artery that supplies blood to the basal ganglia and much of the internal capsule.
lingual artery
The third branch of the external carotid artery; it supplies blood to the tongue, the suprahyoid region of the neck, the sublingual gland, and the palatine tonsils. Its branches include the suprahyoid, dorsal tongue, and sublingual arteries.
lobar artery
In the kidney, a branch of the segmental artery (which is a branch of the renal artery). Each pyramid of the kidney has one lobar artery; lobar arteries branch into 2-3 interlobar arteries.
lumbar artery
One of several branches of the abdominal aorta that run toward the lumbar spine; they supply blood to the vertebral bodies, the muscles of the lower back and the posterior wall of the abdomen. The lumbar arteries anastomose with each other and with the lower intercostal, the subcostal, and the superior and the inferior epigastric arteries.
mammary artery
The internal mammary artery, which is a branch of the subclavian artery, or the lateral mammary artery, which is a branch of the lateral thoracic artery.
See: aorta (Branches of aorta)for illus.marginal artery
An arching feeder artery for the colon; it is composed of anastomoses of branches of the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, and it runs in the mesentery parallel to the colon.
maxillary artery
A major end branch of the external carotid artery; it arises behind the neck of the mandible and it passes behind the facial bones. Its branches include the deep auricular, anterior tympanic, middle meningeal, petrosal, superior tympanic, frontal, parietal, accessory meningeal, inferior alveolar, mylohyoid, mental, masseteric, pterygoid, buccal, posterior superior alveolar, infraorbital, descending palatine, pterygoid, and sphenopalatine arteries.
See: head (Arteries and veins of the head) for illus. medial plantar artery
One of the two terminal branches of the posterior tibial artery; it runs along the medial side of the foot.
median sacral artery
The final unpaired midline artery branching from the aorta; it originates 1 cm proximal to the aortic bifurcation, and it ends in the coccyx. Its branches include a pair of lumbar arteries and a number of small arteries to the rectum. Synonym: middle sacral artery
meningeal artery
The accessory, the anterior, the middle, or the posterior meningeal artery.
mental artery
The terminal branch of the inferior alveolar artery; it exits the mandible through the mental foramen to supply blood to the chin.
mesenteric artery
The superior or the inferior mesenteric artery.
middle cerebral artery
Abbreviation: MCA
The continuation of the internal carotid artery beyond the circle of Willis. It runs along the lateral (Sylvian) fissure between the frontal and temporal lobes. Branches of the middle cerebral artery supply blood to the frontal, orbital, parietal, and temporal lobes of the brain. Strokes involving the middle cerebral artery often result in sensory deficits and muscle weakness on the contralateral side of the body; when a middle cerebral artery stroke is in the dominant side of the brain, the patient can also have aphasia.
See: brain (Major arteries of the brain) and circle of Willis for illus. middle colic artery
An upper branch of the superior mesenteric artery; it runs to the right, it supplies blood to the transverse colon, and it anastomoses with the right colic artery and with branches of the left colic artery.
middle meningeal artery
The third branch of the first segment of the maxillary artery. It enters the cranial cavity through the foramen ovale and runs dorsally in the dura, branching widely along the side of the skull. It divides into a frontal and a parietal branch.
middle rectal artery
A branch of the internal iliac artery or the inferior vesical artery; it supplies blood to the lower rectum and upper anal canal.
middle sacral artery
Median sacral artery.muscular artery
A medium-sized artery with more smooth muscle than elastic tissue in the tunica media. Most named arteries are muscular arteries.
nasal artery
The dorsal, the lateral, the posterior, or the septal nasal artery, which are branches of either the ophthalmic artery or the maxillary artery.
nodal artery
The branch of the right coronary artery that supplies blood to the sinoatrial node.
nutrient artery
An artery providing the blood supply to a bone.
obturator artery
A branch of the internal iliac artery; it runs along the inner wall of the pelvis and then leaves the pelvic cavity through the obturator canal. Its branches include the pubic artery.
occipital artery
An end branch of the external carotid artery; it runs up the back of the scalp and supplies blood to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the meninges, and the scalp. Its branches include the sternocleidomastoid, meningeal, auricular, and mastoid arteries.
omental artery
Any of the branches of the gastroepiploic arteries that supply blood to the omentum.
ophthalmic artery
A branch of the internal carotid artery; it leaves of the cranial cavity through the optic foramen with the optic nerve. In the orbit, it branches to form the lacrimal, supraorbital, anterior and posterior ethmoidal, medial palpebral, supratrochlear, dorsal nasal, meningeal, muscular, and ciliary arteries. In addition, it gives rise to the central retinal artery.
orbital artery
Any of the branches of the infraorbital artery that supply the extraocular muscles.
ovarian artery
In females, a branch of the abdominal aorta; it arises below the renal artery and it runs in the suspensory ligament of the ovary, supplying blood to the ovaries, their ligaments, the fallopian tubes, and the distal ureters. The ovarian artery anastomoses with the uterine artery.
palatine artery
The descending palatine artery or one of its branches, the lesser or the greater palatine arteries.
pancreatic artery
Any of the many small branches of the splenic or the superior mesenteric artery that supplies blood to the pancreas.
pancreaticoduodenal artery
The superior or the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery.
parent artery
1. An artery from which another, smaller blood vessel originates.
2. An artery in which an aneurysm forms.
perineal artery
A branch of the internal pudendal artery; it supplies blood to the urogenital diaphragm, the perineal muscles, and the skin of the scrotum or labium majus.
peroneal artery
A branch of the posterior tibial artery; it runs in the back of the lateral side of the leg, between the tibialis posterior and flexor hallucis longus muscles. Its branches include the lateral calcaneal artery.
Synonym: fibular arterypharyngeal artery
Ascending pharyngeal arteryphrenic artery
Inferior phrenic artery.plantar artery
The medial or the lateral plantar artery.
popliteal artery
The continuation of the femoral artery after it leaves the adductor canal. Its branches include the medial and lateral superior genicular, middle genicular, and medial and lateral inferior genicular arteries.
posterior auricular artery
An end branch of the external carotid artery; it supplies blood to the external ear, the tympanic membrane, and the posterior temporal scalp. Its branches include the stylomastoid, mastoid, and posterior tympanic arteries.
Synonym: auricular arteryposterior cerebral artery
The end branch of the basilar artery; it runs around the sides of the midbrain, through the tentorium cerebelli, and along the temporal and occipital lobes to end in the calcarine fissure (the primary visual cortex). Its branches supply blood to the posterior hypothalamus, subthalamus, the choroid plexus of the third ventricle, the internal capsule, the ventral (inferior) surfaces of the temporal and occipital lobes, and parts of the thalamus and the midbrain. The posterior cerebral artery anastomoses with the circle of Willis via the posterior communicating artery.
See: brain (Major arteries of the brain) and circle of Willis for illus. posterior communicating artery
An artery interconnecting the posterior cerebral and middle cerebral arteries at the base of the brain.
See: brain (Major arteries of the brain) and circle of Willis for illus. posterior descending artery
Abbreviation: PDA
Usually (in 85% of people), a branch of the right coronary artery. It runs in the posterior interventricular groove and supplies the right ventricle and the apex of the heart.
Synonym: posterior descending coronary artery; posterior interventricular arteryposterior descending coronary artery
Posterior descending artery.posterior inferior cerebellar artery
A branch of the vertebral arteries; it runs dorsally along the edge of the hindbrain and supplies the choroid plexus of the fourth ventricle, the lateral hindbrain, the inferior cerebellar peduncle, and posterior regions of the cerebellum.
See: brain (Major arteries of the brain) for illus.posterior interosseous artery
A branch of the common interosseous artery; it descends through the forearm between the superficial and deep layers of muscle.
posterior intercostal artery
Intercostal arteryposterior interventricular artery
Posterior descending artery.posterior meningeal artery
The terminal branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery; it enters the skull through the jugular foramen to supply the meninges of the cerebellar fossa.
posterior spinal artery
The left and right posterior spinal arteries run separately along the dorsal surface of the spinal cord and supply blood to the dorsal half of the spinal cord. At the top of the spinal cord, the posterior spinal arteries are branches of the vertebral arteries; at each intervertebral foramen, radicular arteries anastomose with the posterior spinal arteries.
posterior tibial artery
The continuation of the popliteal artery below the popliteus muscle. Its branches include the peroneal (fibular), the posterior medial malleolar, and the medial calcaneal arteries. The posterior tibial artery continues into the foot behind the medial malleolus; beside the calcaneus bone, it branches into the medial and lateral plantar arteries, which run in the plantar side of the foot.
profunda brachii artery
A branch of the brachial artery that dives to the back of the arm and runs beside the radial nerve. Its branches include the radial collateral and medial collateral arteries.
Synonym: deep brachial artery See: brachial artery for illus.profunda femoris artery
Deep femoral artery.artery of the pterygoid canal
Vidian artery.pudendal artery
The external or the internal pudendal artery.
pulmonary artery
The right and left pulmonary arteries branch from the pulmonary trunk. They carry deoxygenated blood (from the right ventricle) into the lungs to exchange respiratory gases at the capillaries that surround the alveoli.
See: circulation (Circulation of blood through heart and major vessels) and heart (The heart) for illus. radial artery
A branch of the brachial artery that begins at the level of the cubital fossa and ends in the deep palmar arterial arch of the hand. It supplies blood to the forearm, the lateral side of the wrist, and the palm, and its branches include the radial recurrent, superficial palmar, palmar carpal, dorsal carpal, dorsal metacarpal, and dorsal digital arteries.
See: brachial artery for illus. radicular artery
Any of the arteries that are branches of the vertebral, deep cervical, ascending cervical, inferior thyroid, posterior intercostal, lumbar, or lateral sacral arteries and that enter the vertebral canal through the intervertebral foramina to divide and then to join the posterior and anterior spinal arteries.
rectal artery
The superior, the middle, or the inferior rectal artery.
Synonym: hemorrhoidal arteryrenal artery
A branch of the abdominal aorta; it supplies blood to the kidneys, the adrenal gland, and the superior portion of the ureter. The right renal artery is longer than the left and passes behind the inferior vena cava and the right renal vein. Branches of the renal artery include segmental arteries of the kidney, ureteric arteries, and inferior adrenal arteries.
See: aorta (Branches of aorta)for illus.right colic artery
A branch of the superior mesenteric artery; it runs to the right, it supplies blood to the ascending colon, and it anastomoses with the middle colic artery and branches of the ileocolic artery.
right common carotid artery
A branch of the brachiocephalic artery supplying blood to the right side of the neck and the head.
right coronary artery
Abbreviation: RCA
One of the two main epicardial arteries that feed the heart muscle. It originates from the right aortic sinus, a dilation in the aorta just behind one of the leaflets of the aortic valve. It runs to the right along the outside of the heart in the atrioventricular groove, i.e., the coronary sulcus, between the atria and the ventricles. Usually, its two main branches are the right marginal artery and the posterior descending artery. Among the heart regions it supplies are the sinoatrial (SA) and atrioventricular (AV) nodes, the right ventricle, the right atrium, and often, the inferior or posterior wall of the left ventricle.
Synonym: right main coronary artery See: aorta (Branches of aorta) and heart (The heart) for illus. right gastric artery
A branch of the common hepatic artery that runs along the lesser curvature of the stomach, beginning in the pyloric region, and that meets and anastomoses with the left gastric artery.
right gastroepiploic artery
A terminal branch of the gastroduodenal artery; it runs up along the greater curvature of the stomach from the pyloric region.
right main coronary artery
Right coronary artery.root artery
An artery accompanying a nerve root into the spinal cord.
sacral artery
The median sacral artery, which is the last unpaired branch of the aorta, or the lateral sacral artery, which is a branch of the internal iliac artery.
scapular artery
The circumflex scapular or the dorsal scapular artery.
sciatic artery
A branch of the inferior gluteal artery that runs alongside the sciatic nerve.
sheathed artery
The terminal portion of a pulp artery in the spleen. It has distinctive thickenings in its walls.
short gastric artery
One of the five to seven small branches of the splenic artery that innervate the fundus and the upper region of the greater curvature of the stomach.
sigmoid artery
Any of three branches of the inferior mesenteric artery; they run to the left, they supply blood to the sigmoid colon, and they anastomose with the left colic and superior rectal arteries.
spermatic artery
Testicular artery.sphenopalatine artery
An end branch of the maxillary artery; it runs into the posterior nasal cavity and it also supplies blood to the frontal, maxillary, ethmoidal, and sphenoidal sinuses. Its branches include the posterior lateral nasal and posterior septal arteries, and it anastomoses with the ethmoidal, greater palatine, and superior labial arteries.
spinal artery
The anterior or the posterior spinal artery.
spiral artery
The coiled terminal branch of a uterine artery. It supplies the superficial two thirds of the endometrium, and, in a pregnant uterus, it empties into intervillous spaces, supplying blood that bathes the chorionic villi at the placental site.
Synonym: coiled arterysplenic artery
A branch of the celiac artery; it runs to the left, under the stomach and along the pancreas to the hilum of the spleen where it divides into six or more branches. It supplies blood to the spleen, stomach, omentum, and pancreas.
See: circulation (Circulation of blood through heart and major vessels) for illus.striate artery
A lenticulostriate or a thalamostriate artery (a branch of the posterior cerebral artery) that supplies blood to the striate nucleus of the brain.
striated artery
One of the branches of the middle cerebral artery that supply the basal nuclei of the brain.
subclavian artery
The large horizontal artery at the base of the neck that supplies blood to the neck, shoulder, upper chest, and arm. The right subclavian artery originates from the brachiocephalic artery; the left subclavian artery originates from the aortic arch. The branches of the subclavian (beginning at its origin) are the vertebral artery (on the right side only), the thyrocervical trunk, the internal mammary artery, the costocervical trunk, and the transverse (descending) scapular artery.
See: head (Arteries and veins of the head); aorta (Branches of aorta); and heart (The heart) for illus.sublingual artery
A branch of the lingual artery that supplies blood to the sublingual gland.
submental artery
A branch of the facial artery; it supplies blood to the submandibular gland and the chin.
subscapular artery
A large branch of the axillary artery; it supplies blood to the back wall of the thorax and the latissimus dorsi and subscapularis muscles. Its branches include the thoracodorsal and circumflex scapular arteries.
sulcal artery
A tiny branch of the anterior spinal artery.
superficial epigastric artery
A branch of the femoral artery; it supplies blood to the superficial fascia of the lower abdomen and the inguinal lymph nodes, and it anastomoses with the inferior epigastric artery.
superficial temporal artery
An end branch of the external carotid artery; it supplies blood to the scalp in front of the ear and to the parotid glands. Its branches include the transverse facial, middle temporal, anterior auricular, zygomaticoorbital, frontal, and parietal arteries.
superior cerebellar artery
A branch of the basilar artery; it sends branches to the midbrain, pons, medial cerebellum, and deep cerebellar nuclei.
See: brain (Major arteries of the brain) for illus.superior epigastric artery
The terminal branch of the internal thoracic artery. The superior epigastric artery runs downward through the anterior diaphragm and enters the rectus sheath; it anastomoses with the upward traveling inferior epigastric artery.
superior gluteal artery
A large branch of the internal iliac artery; it leaves the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen, above the piriformis muscle. Its branches include a superficial branch, which supplies blood to the gluteus maximus muscle, and a deep branch, which supplies blood to the other gluteus muscles and to the greater trochanter of the femur. The superior gluteal artery anastomoses with the inferior gluteal, the deep circumflex iliac, and the lateral femoral circumflex arteries.
superior intercostal artery
A branch of the costocervical trunk (from the subclavian artery) that divides to form the intercostal arteries that run in the first two intercostal spaces.
superior laryngeal artery
A branch of the superior thyroid artery; it follows the internal laryngeal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, it supplies blood to the larynx, and it anastomoses with the inferior laryngeal artery.
superior labial artery
A branch of the facial artery; it supplies blood to the upper lip and the rostral nasal cavity and nasal septum.
superior mesenteric artery
Abbreviation: SMA
The second unpaired midline artery branching from the abdominal aorta; it originates 1 to 2 cm distal to the celiac artery. It supplies blood to the midgut, i.e., the distal half of the duodenum, the jejunum, the ileum, the ascending colon, and the proximal half of the transverse colon. Its branches include the inferior pancreaticoduodenal, jejunal, ileal, ileocolic, marginal, and right and middle colic arteries.
See: aorta (Branches of aorta)and circulation (Circulation of blood through heart and major vessels) for illus.superior pancreaticoduodenal artery
A branch of the gastroduodenal artery; it supplies blood to the proximal duodenum and the head of the pancreas, and it anastomoses with the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery.
superior phrenic artery
A branch of the thoracic aorta, supplying blood to the diaphragm.
superior rectal artery
The terminal branch of the inferior mesenteric artery; it supplies blood to the upper rectum.
superior thyroid artery
The first branch of the external carotid artery; it supplies blood to the surrounding muscles, the infrahyoid region of the neck, the larynx, and the thyroid gland, where it anastomoses with the inferior thyroid artery. Its branches include the infrahyoid, superior laryngeal, sternocleidomastoid, and cricothyroid arteries.
supraorbital artery
A branch of the ophthalmic artery; it supplies blood to the forehead, frontal sinus, and frontal scalp.
suprarenal artery
Adrenal artery.suprascapular artery
A branch of the thyrocervical trunk (from the subclavian artery); it runs over the superior transverse scapular ligament in the scapular notch and supplies blood to the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae. Its branches include the acromial arteries and it anastomoses with the subscapular and transverse cervical arteries.
supratrochlear artery
A branch of the ophthalmic artery; it supplies blood to the frontal and medial scalp.
sural artery
A large branch of the popliteal artery that supplies blood to the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris muscles.
sylvian artery
The middle cerebral artery in the fissure of Sylvius.
temporal artery
The deep, the middle, or the superficial temporal artery.
terminal artery
End artery.testicular artery
In males, a long slender branch of the abdominal aorta arising below the renal artery; it supplies blood to the testes, epididymis, cremasteric muscles, and lower ureters.
Synonym: spermatic artery; internal spermatic artery; See: aorta (Branches of aorta)for illus.thoracic artery
The internal or the lateral thoracic artery.
thoracoacromial artery
A branch of the axillary artery; its branches run to the acromion, the clavicle, and the deltoid and pectoral muscles.
thoracodorsal artery
A branch of the subscapular artery; it supplies blood to the back wall of the thorax and the latissimus dorsi muscle.
thyroid artery
The inferior or the superior thyroid artery.
tibial artery
The anterior or the posterior tibial artery.
transverse cervical artery
A branch of the thyrocervical trunk (from the subclavian artery); it runs posteriorly through the lower neck. Its branches supply blood to the trapezius muscle and to the medial scapula.
transverse facial artery
A branch of the superficial temporal artery; it supplies blood to the parotid gland, parotid duct, masseter muscle, and overlying skin, and it anastomoses with the facial, masseteric, buccal, lacrimal, and infraorbital arteries.
tympanic artery
The anterior, the inferior, or the superficial tympanic artery, which are branches of the maxillary or the ascending pharyngeal arteries and which supply blood to the tympanic cavity.
ulnar artery
A branch of the brachial artery originating in the cubital fossa and ending in the deep palmar and superficial palmar arterial arches of the hand. It supplies blood to the forearm, the medial side of the wrist, the palm, and the hand, and its branches include the common interosseous, the anterior and posterior ulnar recurrent, the palmar carpal, and the dorsal carpal arteries.
See: brachial artery for illus. umbilical artery
In the embryo, either of a pair of arteries that originate in the embryonic aortas (the dorsal aortas) and that carry blood from the embryo to the yolk sac and the chorion. In the adult, the lumen of the umbilical arteries disappears and the arteries become fibrous cords, called the medial umbilical ligaments, along the inner surface of the abdominal wall.
uterine artery
A branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery; it supplies blood to the upper vagina, cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
vaginal artery
A branch of the internal iliac; it supplies blood to the uterus and, with the uterine artery, forms the azygos artery of the vagina. The vaginal artery in females is a homologue of the inferior vesical artery in males.
vertebral artery
Abbreviation: VA
The first branch of the subclavian artery; it runs up the back of the neck via foramina in the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae and enters the cranial cavity through the foramen magnum. The right and left vertebral arteries merge along the ventral surface of the hindbrain to become the basilar artery. Branches of the vertebral artery include the anterior and posterior spinal arteries and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery.
The vertebral arteries carry about 20% of the brain's blood supply, feeding the brainstem, cerebellum, and most of the posterior cerebral hemispheres. Blockages of the vertebral circulation, e.g., an ischemic stroke, can produce problems in vegetative functions, such as consciousness and respiration, and problems of balance, hearing, motor coordination, and visual perception.
See: head (Arteries and veins of the head) and brain (Major arteries of the brain) for illus.; circle of Willis for illus.vesical artery
The superior or the inferior vesical artery, which is a branch of the internal iliac artery and which supplies blood to the urinary bladder, the lower ureter, and in males, the ductus deferens.
vidian artery
The artery passing through the pterygoid canal.
Synonym: artery of the pterygoid canal