Major Blood Vessels of the Human Body

This guide summarizes key arteries and veins relevant to human anatomy and physiology, focusing on their names, locations, and primary functions. Understanding these vessels is essential for comprehending systemic and regional blood flow.

Arteries

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body (except for the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs).

• Celiac Trunk: A major branch of the abdominal aorta that supplies blood to the stomach, spleen, liver, and other abdominal organs.

• Splenic Artery: Branches from the celiac trunk to supply the spleen.

• Common Hepatic Artery: Another branch of the celiac trunk, supplying the liver.

• Right Gastric Artery: Supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach.

• Left Gastric Artery: Also supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach and lower esophagus.

Example: The celiac trunk is often called the "trifurcation" because it gives rise to three main branches: the left gastric, splenic, and common hepatic arteries.

Veins

Veins are blood vessels that return deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart (except for the pulmonary veins, which carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart).

• Jugular Vein: Drains blood from the head and neck.

• Brachiocephalic Vein: Formed by the union of the subclavian and internal jugular veins; drains into the superior vena cava.

• Subclavian Vein: Drains blood from the upper extremities.

• Superior Vena Cava: Returns blood from the upper body to the right atrium of the heart.

• Cephalic Vein: Superficial vein of the lateral arm.

• Basilic Vein: Superficial vein of the medial arm.

• Median Cubital Vein: Connects the cephalic and basilic veins at the elbow; common site for venipuncture.

• Inferior Vena Cava: Returns blood from the lower body to the right atrium.

• Renal Vein: Drains blood from the kidneys.

• Gonadal Vein: Drains blood from the gonads (testes or ovaries).

• Common Iliac Vein: Formed by the union of the external and internal iliac veins; drains into the inferior vena cava.

• External Iliac Vein: Drains blood from the lower limb.

• Femoral Vein: Major vein of the thigh.

• Brachial Vein: Drains blood from the arm.

• Great Saphenous Vein: Longest vein in the body; runs along the length of the lower limb.

• Superior Mesenteric Vein: Drains blood from the small intestine and part of the large intestine.

• Deep Vein of the Thigh: Also known as the deep femoral vein; drains deep structures of the thigh.

Table: Major Veins and Their Regions

Additional info: The list provided is a selection of major vessels; the human body contains many more arteries and veins, each with specific regional functions. Knowledge of these vessels is crucial for understanding clinical procedures such as blood draws, intravenous access, and the diagnosis of vascular diseases.