Abdominal Aorta

Front 1

Anterior Tibial artery

Back 1

Anterior Tibial Artery
At its lower end, the popliteal artery below the knee divides into the anterior and the posterior tibial arteries. The anterior tibial artery passes down between the tibia and the fibula (lower leg bones) and branch off into smaller arteries into the skin and muscles in the lower leg region. It also communicates with the nerve network at the knee and another network around the ankle. This vessel continues into the foot and toes.

Front 2

Arch of The Aorta

Back 2

Arch of The Aorta
The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It extends upward from the left ventricle of the heart, arches over the heart to the left, and descends just in front of the spinal column. The first portion of the aorta is the "ascending aorta," which branches into the "arch of the aorta." Three major arteries originate from the aortic arch: the "brachiocephalic artery," which supplies blood to the brain and head; the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery.

Front 3

Arcuate Artery

Back 3

Arcuate Artery
The arcuate artery supplies blood to foot and toes.

Front 4

Axillary Artery

Back 4

Axillary Artery
The axillary artery supplies branches of blood vessels to the axilla (region under the arm) and the chest wall, including the skin and the shoulder; part of the mammary gland; the upper end of the humerus (upper arm bone); the shoulder joint; and various muscles in the back, shoulder, and chest. As the vessel leaves the axilla, it becomes the brachial artery.

Front 5

Basilic Vein

Back 5

Basilic Vein
The basilic vein passes along the back of the forearm on the ulnar side for a distance and then curves to the surface below the elbow. It continues to move up the medial side until it reaches the middle of the upper arm. There, it enters deep into the tissues and joins the "brachial vein." As the basilic and brachial veins merge, they form the "axillary vein."

Front 6

Brachial Artery/Vein

Back 6

Brachial Artery/Vein
The brachial artery stems from the axillary artery and moves along the humerus (upper arm bone) down to the elbow. It gives rise to the "deep brachial artery" that curves around the back of the humerus to supply blood to the triceps muscles. Shorter branches pass into various other muscles on the front of the upper arm, and others descend down each side of the elbow to join arteries in the forearms. The corresponding brachial vein will parallel the artery on its trip back to the heart.

Front 7

Bronchus

Back 7

Bronchus
The bronchus is the air passage into the lungs. Each lung has one main bronchus, which begins at the end of the trachea or windpipe. The bronchus divides into smaller branches known as segmental bronchi, which then divide into bronchioles. (See "Bronchial Bulbs")

Front 8

Carotid Arteries

Back 8

Carotid Arteries
The carotid arteries are the four principal arteries of the neck and head. They have two specialized regions: the carotid sinus, which monitors the blood pressure, and the carotid body, which monitors the oxygen content in the blood and helps regulate breathing. The internal carotid arteries enter the skull to supply the brain and eyes. At the base of the brain, the two internal carotids and the basilar artery join to form a ring of blood vessels called the "circle of Willis." The external carotid arteries have several branches which supply the tissues of the face, scalp, mouth and jaws.

Front 9

Circumflex Fibular Artery

Back 9

Circumflex Fibular Artery
The circumflex fibular artery usually rises from the upper end of the posterior tibial artery (in the lower leg), but may come from the popliteal artery or even from the anterior tibial artery. It enters the fibular head of the soleus muscle, winds around the neck of the fibula, and supplies blood along the peroneal muscles which arise from the upper part of the fibula.