What are the key vascular structures in the neck, arms, abdomen, and legs?

From the Guidelines

The key vascular structures in the neck, arms, abdomen, and legs include major arteries and veins that supply blood to these regions, with the carotid arteries, subclavian arteries, abdominal aorta, and common iliac arteries being crucial for oxygenated blood delivery and deoxygenated blood return. In the neck, the carotid arteries deliver oxygenated blood to the brain and face, while the jugular veins return deoxygenated blood to the heart 1. The vertebral arteries also run through the neck, supplying the brainstem and cerebellum.

Vascular Structures in the Arms

In the arms, the subclavian arteries continue as the axillary and brachial arteries, with the radial and ulnar arteries supplying the forearm and hand 1. The cephalic, basilic, and median veins return blood from the arms.

Vascular Structures in the Abdomen

The abdominal region contains the abdominal aorta, which branches into the celiac trunk, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, and renal arteries to supply organs 1. The inferior vena cava collects blood from abdominal organs via hepatic, renal, and gonadal veins.

Vascular Structures in the Legs

In the legs, the common iliac arteries divide into external and internal iliacs, with the femoral artery continuing as the popliteal artery behind the knee, then branching into anterior and posterior tibial arteries 1. The great and small saphenous veins, along with deep femoral and popliteal veins, return blood from the legs. Understanding these vascular structures is essential for clinical assessment, surgical planning, and managing vascular diseases like atherosclerosis, aneurysms, and thrombosis. Key points to consider include:

• The carotid arteries and their branches, such as the internal and external carotid arteries, play a critical role in supplying the brain and face with oxygenated blood.
• The subclavian arteries and their continuations, including the axillary and brachial arteries, are vital for the blood supply to the arms.
• The abdominal aorta and its branches, including the celiac trunk, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, and renal arteries, are essential for the blood supply to abdominal organs.
• The common iliac arteries and their divisions into external and internal iliacs, along with the femoral and popliteal arteries, are crucial for the blood supply to the legs.

From the Research

Key Vasculature in the Neck

• The common carotid artery bifurcates into the external and internal carotid arteries in the neck region 2, 3.
• The external carotid artery supplies blood to the head, neck, and face regions, while the internal carotid artery enters the skull and divides into the anterior and middle cerebral arteries 3, 4.
• The facial artery, a branch of the external carotid artery, has the largest inner diameter among the branches of the external carotid artery and may be beneficial for transplantation as a recipient artery 2.
• The internal jugular vein is often used for central venous catheter placement and is typically located anterolateral to the common carotid artery in the carotid sheath 5.

Key Vasculature in the Arms

• There is limited information available on the key vasculature in the arms from the provided studies.

Key Vasculature in the Abdomen

• There is limited information available on the key vasculature in the abdomen from the provided studies.

Key Vasculature in the Legs

• There is limited information available on the key vasculature in the legs from the provided studies.

Anatomical Variations

• Anatomical variations, such as high carotid termination and variable origin of the ventral branches of the external carotid artery, can occur and may be important for radiological evaluation and surgical procedures 3.
• The relationship between the internal jugular vein and common carotid artery in the carotid sheath can vary with age, gender, and side, and may be relevant for central venous catheter placement 5.