Lab exam 2: Arteries and Veins Flashcards
What are the major differences between arteries and veins in terms of structure and function
Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (except for pulmonary arteries), have thicker walls, and maintain higher pressure.
Veins carry deoxygenated blood toward the heart (except for pulmonary veins), have thinner walls, and contain valves to prevent backflow
What is the significance of the ductus arteriosus and ductus venosus in fetal circulation?
Ductus arteriosus: Connects the pulmonary trunk to the aorta, bypassing the lungs since they are non-functional before birth.
Ductus venosus: Shunts oxygenated blood from the umbilical vein directly to the inferior vena cava, bypassing the liver
How does the hepatic portal system function, and why is it important?
It directs nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver for processing before entering general circulation. This allows for detoxification, metabolism, and storage of nutrients.
What is the Circle of Willis, and what role does it play in cerebral circulation?
A network of interconnected arteries at the base of the brain that provides redundant blood supply, ensuring continued circulation even if one artery is blocked
Which arteries supply oxygenated blood to the kidneys?
The renal arteries, which branch off from the abdominal aorta
How does the median cubital vein relate to venipuncture procedures?
It is the most commonly used vein for blood draws and IV access due to its accessibility and size.
What is the difference between the superior and inferior vena cava in terms of blood drainage?
Superior vena cava drains blood from the head, neck, upper limbs, and thorax.
Inferior vena cava drains blood from the abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs
What is the function of the aortic arch?
The aortic arch distributes oxygenated blood to the upper body.
What three major arteries branch from the aortic arch?
- Brachiocephalic artery → Right subclavian & right common carotid
- Left common carotid artery
3.Left subclavian artery
What is the purpose of the carotid sinus, and how does it regulate blood pressure?
The carotid sinus contains baroreceptors that detect blood pressure changes and send signals to the brain to adjust heart rate and vascular tone.
How does the anterior tibial artery contribute to lower limb circulation?
Anterior tibial artery supplies the anterior leg and dorsum of the foot.
How does the posterior tibial artery contribute to lower limb circulation?
Posterior tibial artery supplies the posterior leg and plantar surface of the foot
Where does the celiac trunk branch from?
It branches from the abdominal aorta
What organs does the celiac trunk supply?
Stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, and part of the duodenum.
What are the three main branches of the celiac trunk, and which organs do they supply?
- Left gastric artery → Stomach & esophagus
- Splenic artery → Spleen & pancreas
- Common hepatic artery → Liver, stomach, pancreas
What is the function of the superior mesenteric artery?
Supplies blood to organs
What organs does the superior mesenteric artery supply?
Small intestine, cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon.
Which artery primarily supplies blood to the reproductive organs
Ovarian arteries in females and testicular arteries in males
What is the primary function of the coronary arteries, and where do they originate?
They supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle and originate from the ascending aorta
What is the function of the brachial artery, and where does it branch into the radial and ulnar arteries?
The brachial artery supplies blood to the upper arm and branches into the radial and ulnar arteries at the elbow.
What are the main tributaries of the hepatic portal vein?
Splenic vein, superior mesenteric vein, and inferior mesenteric vein
What are the main functions of the tributaries of the hepatic portal vein?
They transport nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver for processing
What is the function of the great saphenous vein, and where is it located
It is the longest vein in the body, running along the medial side of the leg. It is often used for coronary bypass surgery
How do the internal and external jugular veins differ in their drainage function?
The internal jugular vein drains blood from the brain, face, and neck.
External jugular vein drains superficial structures of the head and neck
