Question

State the part of the body supplied by each of the following arteries: (p. 303) a. Bronchial b. Femoral c. Hepatic d. Brachial e. Inferior mesenteric f. Internal carotid g. Subclavian h. Intercostal

Short answer

Short Answer: The bronchial artery supplies the bronchi and bronchial tissues in the lungs. The femoral artery supplies the thigh, gluteal region, and parts of the lower leg. The hepatic artery supplies blood to the liver. The brachial artery supplies the arm, elbow, forearm, and hand. The inferior mesenteric artery provides blood to the lower portions of the large intestine, including the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. The internal carotid artery supplies the brain. The subclavian artery provides blood to the upper limbs, neck, chest, and head. Lastly, the intercostal arteries supply the muscles of the chest wall and intercostal muscles, as well as the spinal cord and vertebrae.

Step-by-step solution

1. Bronchial Artery

The bronchial arteries are branches of the aorta that supply oxygenated blood to the lungs, specifically the bronchi and bronchial tissues.

2. Femoral Artery

The femoral artery is located in the thigh region. This large artery supplies blood to the thigh, gluteal region, and parts of the lower leg.

3. Hepatic Artery

The hepatic artery is a branch of the celiac trunk, which branches off the abdominal aorta. It supplies oxygenated blood to the liver.

4. Brachial Artery

The brachial artery is located in the upper arm and is a continuation of the axillary artery. It supplies blood to the arm, elbow, forearm, and hand.

5. Inferior Mesenteric Artery

The inferior mesenteric artery branches off the abdominal aorta, and it supplies blood to the lower portions of the large intestine, including the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and the rectum.

6. Internal Carotid Artery

The internal carotid artery supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain. It is one of two major arteries responsible for blood flow to the brain, with the other being the vertebral artery.

7. Subclavian Artery

The subclavian artery is located in the thoracic region below the clavicle (collarbone). It supplies blood to the upper limbs and parts of the neck, chest, and head.

8. Intercostal Artery

The intercostal arteries are found between the ribs and supply oxygenated blood to the muscles of the chest wall and the intercostal muscles, which help with respiration. Additionally, they provide blood to the spinal cord and the vertebrae.

Key concepts

Arterial Blood Supply

Arterial blood supply is a critical component of human anatomy as it ensures that oxygenated blood reaches every part of the body.
Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to various tissues and organs.
The oxygenated nature of this blood is vital because it delivers essential nutrients and oxygen that body tissues need to function. Here are some significant arteries and the body parts they supply:

• Bronchial Arteries: These arteries supply oxygenated blood to the lungs and specifically to the bronchi and bronchial tissues.
• Hepatic Artery: Supplies blood to the liver, which is critical for metabolism and detoxification.
• Inferior Mesenteric Artery: Delivers blood to the lower parts of the large intestine, aiding in digestion and waste processing.
• Intercostal Arteries: These supply the muscles between the ribs, aiding in respiration, and also nourish the spinal cord and vertebrae.

Understanding the arterial blood supply helps one appreciate how blood circulates effectively to sustain bodily functions by distributing oxygen and nutrients.

Circulatory System

The circulatory system is a network composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
Its primary function is to transport blood throughout the body, providing nutrients, oxygen, and removing waste products.
Blood flows in a loop from the heart through the vast network of arteries, veins, and capillaries:

• Arteries like the femoral artery and brachial artery serve as major highways for blood, distributing it to areas like the thighs, arms, and beyond.
• The arterial system begins with the aorta, the main artery in the body, which branches into various arteries supplying different tissues.
• Once blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, it is returned to the heart via veins to be re-oxygenated.
• The blood's regular circulation is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and supporting cellular processes.

Recognizing how the circulatory system operates, we see that it is vital for sustaining life by maintaining a constant supply of fresh blood to reckon with the body's metabolic demands.

Arteries

Arteries are thick-walled vessels that are integral to transporting oxygen-rich blood from the heart to various body parts.
They have thicker walls compared to veins, as they must withstand high pressure from the heartbeats:

• Internal Carotid Artery: It is essential for supplying blood to the brain, critical for brain function and maintenance.
• Subclavian Artery: Located below the collarbone, it supplies the arms, neck, and parts of the chest and head.
• Within arteries, the blood flows with force due to the heart's pumping action. This action is necessary for arteries to carry blood efficiently to distant body regions.
• Arteries are categorized based on their destination and function, such as systemic arteries that supply blood to the whole body except the lungs (e.g., subclavian), and pulmonary arteries that take blood to the lungs for oxygenation.

This overview of arteries demonstrates their indispensable role in ensuring that oxygenated blood reaches the most remote body areas so they function properly.