4.1 Anatomy of the Heart and Vessels Part 5 Flashcards
Where is the thoracic aorta?
thoracic cavity above the diaphragm
What is the function of the inferior vena cava?
returns deoxygenated blood from the lower body
What is the function of the superior vena cava?
returns blood to the heart from the upper body
What is the first branch off the aortic arch?
braciocephalic trunk
What is the function of the brachiocephalic trunk?
supplies blood to the right arm and neck
What is the Circle of WIllis also known as?
cerebral arterial cirlce
What is the unique feature of the Circle of Willis?
provides alternate circulation in case one of the arteries becomes blocked
Where do the vertebral arteries run?
rise superiorly along both sides of the spinal cord
What joins together to form the basilar artery?
two vertebral arteries
Where is the basilar artery formed?
base of the pons
What does the basilar artery branch into/
left and right posterior cerebral arteries
What do the posterior communicating arteries connect to?
internal carotid arteries
Where do the internal carotid arteries arise from?
common carotid arteries in the neck
What do the internal carotid arteries terminate in?
left and right middle cerebral arteries
What are branches of the middle cerebral arteries?
anterior cerebral arteries
