Document

Gross Anatomy
Arteries of the Body - Arranged Alphabetically
alveolar, anterior superior= originating from infraorbital a.+ having dental brs., mucosal brs.+ blood
supply to maxillary incisor and canine teeth; part of the maxillary sinus+anterior superior alveolar a.
is located between the inner and outer tables of bone of the maxilla
alveolar, inferior= originating from maxillary a.+ having lingual br., mylohyoid a., dental brs., mental
a.+ blood supply to mandibular teeth and gingiva; mandible; mylohyoid m.+ inferior alveolar a. runs
with the inferior alveolar nerve within the mandibular canal
alveolar, middle superior= originating from infraorbital a.+ having dental brs., mucosal brs.+ blood
supply to maxillary premolar teeth; part of the maxillary sinus+ middle superior alveolar a. is located
between the inner and outer tables of bone of the maxilla
alveolar, posterior superior= originating from maxillary a.+ having dental brs., mucosal brs.+ blood
supply to maxillary molar teeth; part of the maxillary sinus+ posterior superior alveolar a. enters the
maxilla in the infratemporal fossa Commented [1]:
angular= originating from facial a,+ having no named branches+ blood supply to orbicularis oculi m.
and lacrimal sac + angular a. is the terminal branch of the facial a.
anterior cecal= originating from ileocolic a.+ having occasionally the appendicular a.to cecum,
anterior cecal a.+ blood supply to supplies the ileocecal junction
anterior cerebral= originating from internal carotid a.+ having branches anterior communicating a.,
medial frontobasal a., polar frontal a., callosomarginal a., precuneal a.+ blood supply to medial and
inferior portions of the frontal lobe; medial side of the parietal lobe; corpus callosum and part of the
limbic lobe; olfactory bulb and tract; optic nerve, optic chiasm and optic tract+ the anterior
communicating a. unites the two anterior cerebral aa. across the midline
anterior circumflex humeral= originating from axillary a., 3rd part+ having unnamed muscular
branches+ blood supply to deltoid m.; arm muscles near the surgical neck of the humerus+ anterior
circumflex humeral a. anastomoses with the posterior circumflex humeral a.
anterior communicating= originating from anterior cerebral a.+ having perforating aa as a

branch+blood supply as an anastomotic connection+ anterior communicating a. is a short vessel of
anastomosis which crosses the midline to join the paired anterior cerebral aa.; it is part of the Circle
of Willis
anterior deep temporal a.=originating from maxillary a.+having no named branches+ blood supply to
anterior part of temporalis m. and surrounding deep tissues+ anterior deep temporal a. branches in
the infratemporal fossa and runs deep to temporalis m.
anterior ethmoidal=originating from ophthalmic a.+ having anterior meningeal a., anterior septal br.,
anterior lateral nasal br.+ blood supply to anterior ethmoidal air cells, frontal paranasal sinus, dura
mater in the anterior cranial fossa, nasal mucosa, olfactory nerves+ anterior ethmoidal a. leaves the
orbit through the anterior ethmoidal foramen, then runs forward on the cribriform plate
anterior inferior cerebellar= originating from basilar a.+ having labyrinthine (usually) a branch+ blood
supply to pons (motor nucleus of cranial nerve V, chief sensory nucleus of cranial nerve V, abducens
nucleus, facial nucleus, superior salivatory nucleus); cerebellum; inner ear+ shares its region of
supply with branches of the basilar a.
anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal=originating from inferior pancreaticoduodenal a.+ having
pancreatic brs., duodenal brs.+ blood supply to lower duodenum and hepancreaticoduodenal+
anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a. anastomoses with the anterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal a. to form the anterior pancreatic arcade
anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal= originating from inferior pancreaticoduodenal a.+ having

pancreatic brs., duodenal brs.+ blood supply to lower duodendum and head of the
pancreas+anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a. anastomoses with the anterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal a. to form the anterior pancreatic arcade
anterior intercostal= originating from internal thoracic a. (upper 6 intercostal spaces),

musculophrenic a. (7-10th intercostal spaces)+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood supply to
intercostal muscles anteriorly; skin overlying the intercostal muscles+ there are two anterior
intercostal aa. per side per intercostal space, one coursing above and one coursing below each rib
anterior interosseous= originating from common interosseous a.+ having muscular brs.; a. of the
median nerve+ blood supply to flexor pollicis longus m., flexor digitorum profundus m., pronator
quadratus m., radius, ulna, carpal bones+ anterior interosseous a. pierces the interosseous
membrane at its distal end to reach the dorsal carpal anastomosis
anterior lateral malleolar= originating from anterior tibial a.+ having no named branches + blood
supply to lateral side of the ankle+ anterior lateral malleolar a. anastomoses with the posterior
lateral malleolar a. and the perforating br. of the fibular a.
anterior medial malleolar= originating from anterior tibial a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to medial side of the ankle+ anterior medial malleolar a. anastomoses with the posterior
medial malleolar a.
anterior radicular= originating from they arise as multiple branches of several vessels (vertebral,
posterior intercostal, lumbar, and lateral sacral aa.)+ they accompany the ventral rootlets to reach
the spinal cord+ blood supply to meninges; spinal cord; spinal nerve; ventral rootlets+ anterior
radicular aa. anastomose with the anterior spinal a.
anterior spinal= originating from contributions received from several arteries (vertebral, posterior
intercostal, subcostal, lumbar, lateral sacral aa.)+ pial arterial plexus+ blood supply to meninges;
spinal cord; medulla (dorsal motor nucleus of cranial nerve X, nucleus ambiguus, spinal accessory
nucleus and hypoglossal vertebra+ anterior spinal a. anastomoses with the anterior radicular brs. of
the spinal rami of the vertebral, posterior intercostal, subcostal, lumbar and lateral sacral aa.
anterior superior alveolar= originating from infraorbital a.+ having dental brs., mucosal brs.+ blood
supply to maxillary incisor and canine teeth; part of the maxillary sinus+ anterior superior alveolar a.
is located between the inner and outer tables of bone of the maxilla
anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal= originating from gastroduodenal a.+ having pancreatic brs.,
duodenal brs.+ blood supply to upper duodenum and head of the pancreas+ anterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal a. anastomoses with the anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a. to form the
anterior pancreatic arcade
anterior tibial= originating from popliteal a.+ having branches of anterior tibial recurrent a., posterior
tibial recurrent a., anterior malleolar a., medial malleolar a., lateral malleolar a., dorsalis pedis a.+
blood supply to anterior leg; dorsum of foot and deep foot+ anterior tibial a. becomes continuous
with the dorsalis pedis a.; the name change occurs at the level of the ankle joint
anterior tibial a= originating from recurrent anterior tibial a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to anterior side of the knee and adjacent muscles+ anterior tibial recurrent a. anastomoses
with the genicular aa. to participate in the formation of the genicular anastomosis
anterior tympanic= originating from maxillary a. Having no named branches+ blood supply to middle
ear+ anterior tympanic a. passes through the petrotympanic fissure along with the chorda tympani
n.
anterior ulnar= originating from recurrent ulnar a.+ having unnamed muscular brs.+ blood supply to
medial side of elbow and proximal ends of forearm flexor mm.+ anterior ulnar recurrent a. often
arises in common with the posterior ulnar recurrent a.
aorta, abdominal=originating from the continuation of the descending thoracic aorta+ having
branches of inferior phrenic aa. (2), celiac trunk, middle suprarenal aa. (2), lumbar aa. (4 pairs),
superior mesenteric a., renal aa. (2), testicular/ovarian aa. (2), inferior mesenteric a., median sacral
a., common iliac aa. (2)+ blood supply to abdominal wall; gastrointestinal tract; body below the level
of the respiratory diaphragm abdominal aorta passes posterior to the diaphragm (aortic hiatus) at
the level of the T12 vertebral body
aorta, ascending= originating from left ventricle of the heart+ having left and right coronary aa.+
blood supply to heart, entire body+ ascending aorta is the shortest part of the aorta; it continues as
the aortic arch
aorta, descending thoracic= originating from continuation of aortic arch+ having branches of
posterior intercostal aa. 3-11, subcostal aa., left bronchial aa. (2), esophageal aa. (~3), mediastinal
brs., superior phrenic aa.+ blood supply to thoracic wall, lungs, posterior mediastinum, body below
the respiratory diaphragm+ descending thoracic aorta passes posterior to the diaphragm (aortic
hiatus) at the level of the T12 vertebral body; it is continuous with the abdominal aorta
aortic arch= originating from the continuation of the ascending aorta+ having branches of
brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid a., left subclavian a.+ blood supply to the entire body
except the heart+ aortic arch continues as the descending thoracic aorta; the fibrous ligamentum
arteriosum connects to the inferior surface of the aortic arch and it marks the location of the fetal
ductus arteriosus aortic arch continues as the descending thoracic aorta
appendicular a= originating from posterior cecal, anterior cecal or ileocolic+ having no named
branches+ blood supply to vermiform appendix+ despite its variable origin, appendicular artery is
nearly constant in its course posterior to the terminal part of the ileum
arch, aortic= originating from the continuation of the ascending aorta+ having branches of
brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid a., left subclavian a.+ blood supply to the entire body
except the heart+ aortic arch continues as the descending thoracic aorta; the fibrous ligamentum
arteriosum connects to the inferior surface of the aortic arch and it marks the location of the fetal
ductus arteriosus aortic arch continues as the descending thoracic aorta
arch, deep palmar=originating from radial a., deep br. of ulnar a.,palmar metacarpal aa. (2nd-4th), +
having perforating brs.+ blood supply to deep palm, digits including the dorsum of the distal
phalangeal segment+ deep palmar arterial arch receives the majority of its blood supply from the
radial a.
arch, dorsal carpal arterial= originating from radial a., ulnar a.+ having dorsal metacarpal aa br.+
blood supply to dorsum of the hand and digits, excluding the distal phalangeal segment+ dorsal
carpal arterial arch receives the majority of its blood supply from the radial a.
arch, plantar arterial= originating from lateral plantar a.+ having plantar metatarsal aa. (4 az
br).+blood supply to deep foot; its plantar metatarsal brs. and their brs. supply the toes, including
the dorsum of the distal phalangeal segment+ plantar arterial arch anastomoses with the deep
plantar br. of the dorsalis pedis a.
arch, superficial palmar= originating from ulnar a., superficial palmar br. of the radial a.+ having
branches as common palmar digital aa. (3)+ blood.supply to superficial palm, palmar surface of the
digits excluding thumb, dorsum of the distal phalangeal segments of digits 2-5+superficial palmar
arterial arch receives the majority of its blood supply from the ulnar a.
arcuate, of foot=originating from dorsalis pedis a.+ having branches dorsal metatarsal aa. (3)+ blood
supply to dorsum of the foot, excluding the pollex and the distal phalangeal segments of the digits+
arcuate a. anastomoses with the lateral tarsal a.
arcuate, of kidney= originating from interlobar a.+ having branches interlobular aa.+ blood supply to
renal cortex+arcuate aa. of the kidney are numerous
artery of the ductus deferens=originating from umbilical a.; may be a branch of the superior or
inferior vesical a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to ductus deferens, seminal vesical;
possibly supplies the ureter+artery of the ductus deferens is also known as: deferential a.
artery to the atrioventricular node=originating from right coronary a. near the point where it
becomes the posterior interventricular a.+ having no named branches+blood supply to
atrioventricular node and the surrounding myocardium+ artery to the atrioventricular node is
located at the junction of the coronary sulcus and the posterior interventricular sulcus
artery to the sinuatrial node=originating from right coronary a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to sinuatrial node and the surrounding myocardium+artery to the sinuatrial node is important
artery to locate during cardiac surgical procedures
ascending aorta=originating from left ventricle of the heart+ having left and right coronary aa.+
blood supply to heart, entire body+ascending aorta is the shortest part of the aorta; it continues as
the aortic arch
ascending cervical= originating from inferior thyroid a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to deep muscles of the neck+ ascending cervical a. ascends on the anterior surface of the
anterior scalene m. beside the phrenic n.
ascending palatine= originating from facial a.+ having no named branches+blood supply to superior
pharyngeal constrictor, soft palate, palatine tonsil+ ascending palatine a. shares supply of the tonsil
bed with 4 other aa. (see also: tonsillar br. of the facial a., palatine br. of the ascending pharyngeal
a., tonsillar br. of the dorsal lingual a., tonsillar br. of the descending palatine a.)
ascending pharyngeal= originating from external carotid a.+having pharyngeal brs., inferior tympanic
a., posterior meningeal a.+blood supply to pharynx, meninges+ascending pharyngeal a. arises from
the medial side of the external carotid a. close to the birfurcation
atrioventricular nodal= originating from right coronary a. near the point where it becomes the
posterior interventricular a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to atrioventricular node and
the surrounding myocardium+artery to the atrioventricular node is located at the junction of the
coronary sulcus and the posterior interventricular sulcus
auricular, deep= originating from maxillary a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to external
auditory meatus, tympanic membrane+ deep auricular a. is small and difficult to dissect
auricular, posterior= originating from external carotid a. + having stylomastoid br., auricular br.,
occipital br.+ blood supply to part of the external ear, scalp and deeper structures posterior to the
ear+posterior auricular and greater occipital share their region of distribution
axillary= originating from subclavian a. (axillary a. is the continuation of the subclavian lateral to the
1st rib)+ having branches ,1st part: superior thoracic a.; 2nd part: thoracoacromial a., lateral thoracic
a.; 3rd part: anterior humeral circumflex a., posterior humeral circumflex a., subscapular a.+ blood
supply to pectoral region, shoulder region and upper limb+ pectoralis minor m. crosses anterior to
the axillary artery and is used to delineate the 3 parts mentioned at left
Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes
Basilar= originating from formed by the joining of the two vertebral aa.+ having pontine brs.,
anterior inferior cerebellar a., superior cerebellar a., two posterior cerebral aa. (terminal brs.)+ blood
supply to pons (motor nucleus of cranial nerve V, chief sensory nucleus of cranial nerve V, abducens
nucleus, facial nucleus, superior salivatory nucleus); oculomotor nucleus; nucleus of Edinger-
Westphal; cerebellum; posterior cerebrum+ basilar a. contributes blood to the cerebral arterial circle
brachial = originating from axillary a. (brachial a. is the continuation of the axillary a. distal to the
teres major m.)+ having branches deep brachial a., superior ulnar collateral a., nutrient a., inferior
ulnar collateral a.; terminal branches are the radial a. and the ulnar a.+ blood supply to arm, forearm
and hand+ brachial a. normally terminates at the level of the elbow, but high branching may occur
brachial, deep= originating from brachial a.+ having ascending br.; terminal branches are the middle
collateral a. and radial collateral a.+ blood supply to muscles and tissues of the posterior
compartment of the arm+ deep brachial a. spirals around the shaft of the humerus in the radial
groove where it is susceptible to injury in mid-shaft fractures
brachiocephalic trunk= originating from aortic arch+ having branches right common carotid a., right
subclavian a.+ blood supply to right side of the head and neck; right upper limb and right side of the
chest wall+ there is only one brachiocephalic trunk
bronchial, left= originating from descending thoracic aorta+ having branches right bronchial a.
(occasionally)+ blood supply to lower trachea, bronchial tree+ there are usually two left bronchial aa.
bronchial, right= originating from 3rd right posterior intercostal+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to lower trachea, bronchial tree+ right bronchial a. may arise from the left bronchial a.
Buccal= originating from maxillary a.+ having no named branches+ blood.supply to cheek and
associated muscles+ buccal a. runs with the buccal branch of CN V
of bulb of penis= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
bulb of the penis and associated tissues+ artery of the bulb of the penis courses within the deep
perineal space to enter the deep surface of the bulb
of bulb of vestibule= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to bulb of the vestibule and associated tissues+artery of the bulb of the vestibule courses
within the deep perineal space to enter the deep surface of the bulb
Caroticotympanic= originating from internal carotid a.+having no named branches+ blood supply to
tympanic cavity + caroticotympanic a. courses through the petrous portion of the temporal bone
carotid, common= originating from brachiocephalic trunk (right), aortic arch (left)+ having branches
of external carotid a., internal carotid a.+ blood supply to most of the head and upper neck+
common carotid a. bifurcates at the level of the superior border of the thyroid cartilage; the internal
carotid a. and the external carotid a. are its terminal brs.; the carotid sinus and carotid body are
located at the bifurcation
carotid,external = originating from common carotid a.+ having branches of superior thyroid a.,
ascending pharyngeal a., lingual a., facial a., occipital a., posterior auricular a., maxillary a.,
superficial temporal a.+ blood supply to upper neck, face and scalp, external carotid a. is the primary
blood supply to the face and superficial head;+ the maxillary a. and superficial temporal a. are its
terminal branches
carotid, interna=originating froml common carotid a.+ having branches none in the neck; in the
head: ophthalmic a., posterior communicating a., anterior cerebral a., middle cerebral a. brain; eye
and orbit; forehead+ blood supply to internal carotid a. is the primary blood supply to the brain;+ it
anastomoses with the vertebral aa. and the contralateral internal carotid a. in the cerebral arterial
circle (of Willis); anterior and middle cerebral aa. are the terminal brs. of the internal carotid a.
carpal arterial arch, dorsal= originating from radial a., ulnar a.+ having branches dorsal metacarpal
aa.+ blood supply to dorsum of the hand and digits, excluding the distal phalangeal segment+ dorsal
caudal pancreatic= originating from splenic a.+ having branchez numerous small aa.that supply the
pancreas+ blood supply to tail of the pancreas+ caudal pancreatic a. enters the tail of the pancreas
near the hilum of the spleen; it may arise from the left gastro-omental a.
cecal, anterior= originating from ileocolic a.+ having branches may give off the appendicular a.+
blood supply to anterior surface of the cecum+ anterior cecal a. supplies the ileocecal junction
cecal, posterior= originating from ileocolic a.+ having branches may give off the appendicular a.+
blood supply to posterior surface of the cecum+ posterior cecal a. supplies the ileocecal junction
celiac trunk= originating from abdominal aorta at the level of the T12-L1 intervertebral disc+ having
branches of left gastric a., splenic a., common hepatic a. stomach,+ blood supply to lower esophagus,
liver, upper duodenum, pancreas, spleen+ celiac trunk supplies the foregut derivatives
central, of retina= originating feom ophthalmic a.+ having branches of superior nasal br., inferior
nasal br., superior temporal br., inferior temporal br.+ blood supply to retina+ central a. of the retina
is the sole blood supply to the retina; it has no significant collateral circulation and blockage of this
vessel leads to blindness; its branches are viewed in a funduscopic exam
cerebellar, anterior inferior= originating from basilar a.+ having branches of labyrinthine a. (usually)+
blood supply to pons (motor nucleus of cranial nerve V, chief sensory nucleus of cranial nerve V,
abducens nucleus, facial nucleus, superior salivatory nucleus); cerebellum; inner ear+ anterior
inferior cerebella a. shares its region of supply with branches of the basilar a.
cerebellar, posterior inferior= originating from vertebral a.+ having branches of posterior spinal a.+
blood supply to part of cerebellum; medulla (cochlear nucleus, vestibular nucleus, dorsal motor
nucleus of cranial nerve X, nucleus ambiguus)+ posterior inferior cerebellar a. shares its region of
supply with the vertebral a. and anterior spinal a. (watershed region)
cerebellar, superior= originating from basilar a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to upper
cerebellum; trochlear nucleus+ there may be more than one superior cerebellar a. arising from the
basilar a. on each side
cerebral, anterior= originating from internal carotid a.+ having branches of anterior communicating
a., medial frontobasal a., polar frontal a., callosomarginal a., precuneal a.+ blood supply to medial
and inferior portions of the frontal lobe; medial side of the parietal lobe; corpus callosum and part of
the limbic lobe; olfactory bulb and tract; optic nerve, optic chiasm and optic tract+ the anterior
communicating a. unites the two anterior cerebral aa. across the midline
cerebral arterial circle= originating from an anastomotic circle of blood vessels formed by portions of
the following vessels: posterior cerebral aa. (2); posterior communicating aa. (2); internal carotid aa.
(2); anterior cerebral aa. (2); anterior communicating a.+ having branches of, this is an anastomotic
loop; major named vessels connect here, but there are no named branches of the arterial circle+
blood supply to brain and midbrain+ also known as: arterial circle of Willis
cerebral, middle= originating from internal carotid a.+ having branches of lateral frontobasal a.;
prefrontal sulcal a.; precentral sulcal a.; central sulcal a.; anterior parietal a.; posterior parietal a.;
anterior, middle and posterior temporal aa.+ blood supply to frontal, parietal and temporal lobes,
especially on their lateral surfaces+ the middle cerebral a. is the direct continuation of the internal
carotid a.
cerebral, posterior= originating from basilar a.+ having branches of posterior cerebral a.; anterior
and posterior temporal brs.; medial occipital a.+ blood supply to part of the brainstem (oculomotor
nucleus, nucleus of Edinger-Westphal, trochlear nucleus); medial and inferior portions of the
temporal lobe; occipital lobe+ the two posterior cerebral aa. are the terminal brs. of the basilar a.
cervical, ascending= originating from inferior thyroid a.+ having no unnamed muscular branches+
blood supply to deep muscles of the neck+ ascending cervical a. ascends on the anterior surface of
the anterior scalene m. beside the phrenic n.
cervical, deep= originating from costocervical trunk+ having branches of unnamed muscular
branches+ blood supply to deep muscles of the posterior neck+deep cervical a. anastomoses with
the occipital a. near the occipital bone
cervical, transverse= originating from thyrocervical trunk+ having unnamed muscular branches,
possibly the dorsal scapular a.+ blood supply to trapezius muscle and surrounding tissues+
transverse cervical a. gives rise to the dorsal scapular a. ~30% of the time
choroidal= originating from internal carotid a.+ having branches of no named branches+ blood
supply to choroid plexus; optic nerve, optic chiasm and optic tract+ choroidal a. follows the optic
tract
ciliary, anterior= originating from muscular brs. of the ophthalmic a.+ having no named branches+
blood supply to anterior part of eyeball+ anterior ciliary aa. course deep to the conjunctiva to reach
the region surrounding the iris
ciliary, posterior= originating from ophthalmic a.+ having no named branches+blood supply to
eyeball posterior ciliary aa. may be classified as short (supplying the posterior eyeball) and lone
(supplying the anterior eyeball);+ short and long posterior ciliary aa. are identical in their size and
course external to the eyeball
circumflex= originating from left coronary a.+ having marginal br., possibly posterior artery of the
left ventricle+ blood supply to posterior surface of the left ventricle+ circumflex a. courses in the
atrioventricular (coronary) sulcus
circumflex femoral, lateral= originating from deep femoral a.+ having ascending br., transverse br.,
descending br.+ blood supply to lateral thigh and hip+ lateral circumflex femoral a. arises from the
femoral a. in ~14% of cases
circumflex femoral, medial= originating from deep femoral a.+ having ascending br., descending br.+
blood supply to medial thigh and hip+ medial circumflex femoral a. arises from the femoral a. in
~20% of cases
circumflex fibular= originating from anterior tibial+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to proximal portion of lateral leg+ arises from the tibial a. before the tibial a. pierces the
interosseous membrane
circumflex humeral, anterior= originating from axillary a., 3rd part+ having unnamed muscular
branches+ blood supply to deltoid m.; arm muscles near the surgical neck of the humerus+ anterior
circumflex humeral a. anastomoses with the posterior circumflex humeral a.
circumflex humeral, posterior= originating from axillary a., 3rd part+ having unnamed muscular
branches+ blood supply to deltoid; arm muscles near the surgical neck of the humerus+ posterior
circumflex humeral a. anastomoses with the anterior circumflex humeral a.; it passes through the
quadrangular space with the axillary nerve
circumflex iliac, deep= originating from external iliac a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to iliacus muscle and the lower abdominal wall+ deep circumflex iliac a. courses along the
iliac crest on the inner surface of the abdominal wall
circumflex iliac, superficial= originating from femoral a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to superficial fascia of lower abdomen and thigh+ superficial circumflex iliac a. crosses the
upper thigh parallel to the inguinal ligament
circumflex scapular= originating from subscapular a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to teres major m., teres minor m., infraspinatus m.+ circumflex scapular a. anastomoses with
the suprascapular a. and the dorsal scapular a. to form the scapular anastomosis
clitoris, deep a. Of= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to corpus cavernosum of the clitoris+ deep a. of the clitoris and dorsal a. of the clitoris are the
terminal brs. of the internal pudendal a.
clitoris, dorsal a. Of= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to superficial structures of the clitoris+ dorsal a. of the clitoris and deep a. of the clitoris are
the terminal brs. of the internal pudendal a.
colic, left= originating from inferior mesenteric a.+ having ascending br., descending br.blood supply
to descending colon+ left colic a. anastomoses with the middle colic a and the sigmoid a.to form part
of the marginal a.
colic, middle= originating from superior mesenteric+ having right br., left br.+ blood supply to
transverse colon+ middle colic a. anastomoses with the right colic a. and the left colic a. to form part
of the marginal a.
colic, right= originating from superior mesenteric (or br. of)+ having ascending br., descending br.+
blood supply to ascending colon + right colic a. anastomoses with the ileocolic a. and the middle colic
a. to form part of the marginal a.
collateral, inferior ulnar= originating from brachial a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to lower medial arm+anastomoses with the anterior ulnar recurrent a.
collateral, middle=deep brachial a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood supply to medial
head of triceps, anconeus+ anastomoses with the interosseous recurrent a.
collateral, radial= originating from deep brachial a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to lower lateral arm+ travels with the radial nerve; anastomoses with the radial recurrent a.
collateral, superior ulnar= originating from brachial a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to medial arm muscles+ travels with the ulnar nerve; anastomoses with posterior ulnar
recurrent a.
common carotid= originating from brachiocephalic trunk (right), aortic arch (left)+ having branches
of external carotid a., internal carotid a.+ blood supply to most of the head and upper neck+
common carotid a. bifurcates at the level of the superior border of the thyroid cartilage; the internal
carotid a. and the external carotid a. are its terminal brs.; the carotid sinus and carotid body are
located at the bifurcation
common hepatic= originating from celiac trunk+ having branches of gastroduodenal a., proper
hepatic a.+ blood supply to liver, upper part of the duodenum, part of the pancreas, part of the
stomach+ common hepatic a. is one of three brs. of the celiac trunk (see also: left gastric a., splenic
a.)
common iliac= originating from abdominal aorta+ having branches external iliac a., internal iliac a.+
blood supply to pelvis, lower limb+ abdominal aorta bifurcates at the level of the L4 vertebral body
to form the right and left common iliac aa.; the common iliac artery bifurcates anterior to the
sacroiliac articulation into its terminal brs. (external iliac a. and internal iliac a.)
common interosseous= originating from ulnar a. + having branches of anterior interosseous a.,
posterior interosseous a.+ blood supply to deep structures of the forearm+ common interosseous a.
supplies the deep forearm flexor and deep forearm extensor muscles
common palm digital= originating from superficial palmar arterial arch+ having branches of proper
palmar digital aa. (2)+ blood supply to palmar aspect two adjacent digits+ common palmar digital aa.
anastomose with palmar metacarpal aa.
communicating, anterior= originating from anterior cerebral a.+ having branches of perforating aa.+
an anastomotic connection+ anterior communicating a. is a short vessel of anastomosis which
crosses the midline to join the paired anterior cerebral aa.; it is part of the Circle of Willis
communicating, posterior= originating from internal carotid a.+ having branches of perforating aa.+
an anastomotic connection+ a vessel of anastomosis which connects the internal carotid a. to the
posterior cerebral a.; part of the cerebral arterial circle (of Willis)
coronary, left= originating from ascending aorta+ having branches of anterior interventricular a.,
circumflex a.+ blood supply to left ventricle, left atrium, anterosuperior 2/3 of the interventricular
septum+ left coronary a. arises superior to the left cusp of the aortic semilunar valve; during its short
course, it is located in the coronary sulcus; the anterior interventricular a. and the circumflex a. are
its terminal brs.
coronary, right= originating from ascending aorta+ having branches of sinuatrial nodal a., right
marginal a., posterior interventricular a., atrioventricular nodal a.+ blood supply to right ventricle,
right atrium, inferior 1/3 of the interventricular septum+ right coronary a. usually provides the
posterior interventricular a.; it courses within the coronary sulcus
costocervical trunk= originating from subclavian a., 2nd part+ having branches of deep cervical a.,
highest intercostal a.+ blood supply to deep muscles of the posterior neck; posterior ends of the first
2 intercostal spaces+ costocervical trunk is located between the anterior scalene m. and the middle
scalene m.; it arches posteriorly over the cervical parietal pleura
cremasteric a= originating from inferior epigastric a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
cremaster m., coverings of the spermatic cord+ cremasteric a. is one of the contents of the
spermatic cord; it anastomoses with the testicular artery distally
cricothyroid a= originating fromsuperior thyroid a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
cricothyroid m., inferior pharyngeal constrictor m.+ cricothyroid a. travels with the external br. of
the superior laryngeal n.
Cystic a= originating from right hepatic a. (or superior mesenteric a., proper hepatic a., left hepatic
a., gastroduodenal a.)+ having no named branches+ blood supply to gall bladder+ cystic a. arises
from the right hepatic a. in ~72% of cases; other possible origins are noted at left and are clinically
relevant during gall bladder surgery
deep brachial=originating from brachial a.+ having ascending br.; terminal branches are the middle
collateral a. and radial collateral a.+ blood supply to muscles and tissues of the posterior
compartment of the arm+ deep brachial a. spirals around the shaft of the humerus in the radial
groove where it is susceptible to injury in mid-shaft fractures
deep cervical= originating from costocervical trunk+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to deep muscles of the posterior neck+ deep cervical a. anastomoses with the occipital a.
near the occipital bone
deep external pudendal = originating from femoral a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to origins of pectineus m., adductor longus m.; scrotum/labium majus+ deep external
pudendal a. may arise from the medial circumflex femoral a.
deep femoral= originating from femoral a.+ having branches of medial circumflex femoral a., lateral
circumflex femoral a., perforating aa. (3 or 4)+ blood supply to hip joint, proximal thigh, posterior
thigh+ deep femoral a. is the primary blood supply to muscles of the posterior compartment of the
thigh
deep lingual= originating from lingual a. + having no named branches+ blood supply to anterior
tongue+ deep lingual a. is the terminal br. of the lingual a.
deep palmar arch= originating from radial a., deep br. of ulnar a. palmar metacarpal aa. (2nd-4th), +
having perforating brs.+ blood supply to deep palm, digits including the dorsum of the distal
phalangeal segment+ deep palmar arterial arch receives the majority of its blood supply from the
radial a.
deep plantar= originating from dorsalis pedis,plantar metatarsal aa. (4)+ having deep foot; its
plantar metatarsal brs. and their brs+ blood supply to supply the toes, including the dorsum of the
distal phalangeal segment+ anastomoses with lateral plantar a. to form the plantar arterial arch; the
branches mentioned at left arise from the plantar arterial arch
deep, of clitoris= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
corpus cavernosum of the clitoris+ deep a. of the clitoris and dorsal a. of the clitoris are the terminal
brs. of the internal pudendal a.
deep, of penis= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+blood supply to
corpus cavernosum of the penis+deep a. of the penis and dorsal a. of the penis are the terminal brs.
of the internal pudendal a.
descending genicular= ooriginating from femoral a.+ having saphenous br., articular brs+ blood
supply to skin and superficial structures of the medial aspect of the knee and upper leg+ descending
genicular a. anastomoses with the genicular brs. of the popliteal a.
descending palatine=originating from maxillary a.+ having branches of greater palatine a., lesser
palatine a.+ blood supply to palate+ descending palatine a. accompanies the greater palatine n.
within the palatine canal
digital, common palmar a= originating from superficial palmar arterial arch+ having branches of
proper palmar digital aa. (2)+ blood supply to palmar aspect two adjacent digits+ common palmar
digital aa. anastomose with palmar metacarpal aa.
digital, proper palmar= originating from common palmar digital a.+ having no named branches+
blood supply to palmar aspect of each digit+proper palmar digital aa. supply the dorsum of the distal
phalangeal segment and nail bed
digital, proper plantar= originating from plantar metatarsal a., from the plantar arterial arch+ having
no named branches+ blood supply to plantar aspect of each digit+ proper plantar digital aa. supply
the dorsum of the distal phalangeal segment and nail bed
dorsal carpal arterial arch= originating from radial a., ulnar a.+ having branches of dorsal metacarpal
aa.+ blood supply to dorsum of the hand and digits, excluding the distal phalangeal segment+ dorsal
dorsal digital, of foot= originating from dorsal metatarsal a.+ having no named branches + blood
supply to dorsal aspect of 1/2 digit, excluding the distal phalangeal segment+ dorsal digital aa. do
not supply the nail bed
dorsal digital, of hand= originating from dorsal metacarpal a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to dorsal aspect of 1/2 digit, excluding the distal phalangeal segment+ dorsal digital aa. do
not supply the nail bed
dorsal lingual= originating from lingual a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to posterior
tongue, palatine tonsil, soft palate+ dorsal lingual a. is only one of five arteries that supply the tonsil
bed
dorsal metacarpal= originating from 1st: radial a.; 2-4: + having branches of dorsal carpal arterial
arch,dorsal digital aa. (2)+ blood supply to dorsum of 2 adjacent digits, excluding the distal
phalangeal segment+ each dorsal metacarpal a. gives off a perforating br. that anastomoses with the
deep palmar arterial arch
dorsal metatarsal= originating from dorsalis pedis (1st), arcuate (2nd-4th)+ having branches of dorsal
digital aa. (2)+ blood supply to dorsum of digits, excluding the distal phalangeal segment + each
dorsal metatarsal a. gives off a perforating br. that anastomoses with the plantar arterial arch
dorsal nasal= originating from ophthalmic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to dorsum of
the nose+ dorsal nasal a. anastomoses with the angular a.
dorsal pancreatic= originating from splenic a.+ having branches of right br., left br.+ blood supply to
neck of the pancreas+ right br.of the dorsal pancreatic a. anastomoses with the anterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal a. in the prepancreatic arcade
dorsal scapular= originating from subclavian a., 3rd part+ having unnamed muscular branches+
blood supply to levator scapulae m., rhomboideus major m., rhomboideus minor m.+ dorsal scapular
a. anastomoses with the suprascapular a. and the subscapular a. to form the scapular anastomosis;
dorsal scapular a is a branch of the transverse cervical a. in ~30% of cases
dorsal, of clitoris= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to superficial tissues of the clitoris+ dorsal a. of the clitoris and deep a. of the clitoris are the terminal
brs. of the internal pudendal a.
dorsal, of penis= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
superficial tissues of the penis+ dorsal a. of the penis and deep a. of the penis are the terminal brs.
dorsalis pedis= originating from anterior tibial a.+ having branches of lateral tarsal a., medial tarsal
a., arcuate a., 1st dorsal metatarsal a., deep plantar a.+ blood supply to dorsal aspect of the foot;+
dorsalis pedis a. anastomoses with the plantar arterial arch; the anterior tibial artery continues as
the dorsalis pedis - the name change occurs at the level of the ankle
ductus deferens, artery of= originating from umbilical a.; may be a branch of the superior or inferior
vesical a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to ductus deferens, seminal vesical; possibly
supplies the ureter+ artery of the ductus deferens is also known as: deferential a.

epigastric, inferior= originating from external iliac a.+ having branches of cremasteric a.+ blood
supply to lower rectus abdominis m., pyramidalis m., lower abdominal wall+ inferior epigastric m.
anastomoses with the superior epigastric m. within the rectus abdominis m.
epigastric, superficial= originating from femoral a.+ having cutaneous brs.+ blood supply to
superficial fascia and skin of the lower abdominal wall+ superficial epigastric a. is one of three
superficial arteries that arise from the femoral a. (see also: superficial circumflex iliac a. and
superficial external pudendal a.)
epigastr ic, superior= originating from internal thoracic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to upper rectus abdominis m., upper abdominal wall+ superior epigastric a. is the direct continuation
of the internal thoracic a.; it anastomoses with the inferior epigastric a. within the rectus abdominis
m.
Esophageal=originating from descending thoracic aorta; left gastric a.+ having no named branches+
blood supply to lower 2/3rds of the thoracic esophagus there are usually two (sometimes 3)+
esophageal brs. off of the aorta; the left gastric a. gives esophageal brs. that ascend to supply the
abdominal esophagus and lowest part of the thoracic esophagus; anastomoses occur between the
esophageal brs. of the aorta and left gastric a.
ethmoidal, anterior= originating from ophthalmic a.+ having branches of anterior meningeal a.,
anterior septal br., anterior lateral nasal br.+ blood supply to anterior ethmoidal air cells, frontal
paranasal sinus, dura mater in the anterior cranial fossa, nasal mucosa, olfactory nerves+ anterior
ethmoidal a. leaves the orbit through the anterior ethmoidal foramen, then runs forward on the
cribriform plate
ethmoidal, posterior= originating from ophthalmic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
posterior ethmoidal air cells; olfactory nerves+ posterior ethmoidal a. leaves the orbit through the
posterior ethmoidal foramen
external carotid = originating from common carotid+ having branches of superior thyroid a.,
ascending pharyngeal a., lingual a., facial a., occipital a., posterior auricular a., maxillary a.,
superficial temporal a.+ blood supply to upper neck, face and scalp+ external carotid a. is the
primary blood supply to the face and superficial head; the maxillary a. and superficial temporal a. are
its terminal branches
external iliac= originating from common iliac a.+ having branches of inferior epigastric a., deep
circumflex iliac a., femoral a.+ blood supply to lower limb+ external iliac a. is continuous with the
femoral a., the name change occurs at the inguinal ligament; the common iliac artery bifurcates
anterior to the sacroiliac articulation
external pudendal, deep= originating from femoral a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
external pudendal, superficial= originating from femoral a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to skin and superficial fascia of the upper medial thigh, skin of the pubic region+ superficial
external pudendal a. is one of three superficial branches of the femoral a. near the inguinal ligament
(see also: superficial circumflex iliac a., superficial epigastric a.)
Facial= originating from external carotid a.+ having branches of ascending palatine a., tonsilar br.,
submental a., superior labial a., inferior labial a., lateral nasal a., angular a.+ blood supply to lower
part of the palatine tonsil, submandibular gland, facial muscles and fascia+ the angular branch of the
facial a. anastomoses with the ophthalmic a.
facial, transverse= originating from superficial temporal a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to parotid gland, masseter m., facial muscles and skin+transverse facial a. anastomoses with
branches of the buccal, infraorbital and facial aa.
femoral = originating from external iliac a.+ having branches of superficial epigastric a., superficial
circumflex iliac a., superficial external pudendal a., deep external pudendal a., deep femoral a.,
descending genicular a., popliteal a.+ blood supply to thigh, leg and foot+ femoral a. is continuous
with the popliteal a., the name change occurs at the adductor hiatus
femoral, deep= originating from femoral a.+ having branches of medial circumflex femoral a., lateral
circumflex femoral a., perforating aa. (3 or 4)+ blood supply to hip joint, proximal thigh, posterior
thigh+ deep femoral a. is the primary blood supply to muscles of the posterior compartment of the
thigh
femoral, lateral circumflex=originating from deep femoral a.+ having ascending br., transverse br.,
descending br.+ blood supply to lateral thigh and hip+ lateral circumflex femoral a. arises from the
femoral a. in ~14% of cases
femoral, medial circumflex= originating from deep femoral a.+ having ascending br., descending br.+
blood supply to medial thigh and hip+ medial circumflex femoral a. arises from the femoral a. in
~20% of cases
fibular= originating from posterior tibial a.+ having nutrient br., lateral malleolar a., communicating
br., perforating br.+ blood supply to muscles and fascia of the lateral leg ankle+ fibular a.
anastomoses at the ankle with the anterior and posterior tibial aa.; also known as: peroneal a.
gastric, left= originating feom celiac a.+ having esophageal brs.+ blood supply to superior part of the
stomach near the lesser curvature+ left gastric a. anastomoses with the right gastric a. on the lesser
curvature of the stomach; it also anastomoses with the esophageal brs. of the thoracic aorta
gastric, right=originating from proper hepatic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
inferior part of the stomach near the lesser curvature+ right gastric a. anastomoses with the left
gastric a. on the lesser curvature of the stomach
gastric, short= originating from splenic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to fundus and
upper part of the stomach near the greater curvature+ short gastric aa. reach the stomach by
passing through the gastrosplenic ligament; they are usually 4-5 in number
gastro-omental, left= originating from splenic a. + having gastric brs., omental brs.+ blood supply to
mid-part of the stomach near the greater curvature; greater omentum+ left gastro-omental a.
anastomoses with the right gastro-omental a. near the greater curvature of the stomach; also known
as: left gastroepiploic a.
gastro-omental, right= originating from gastroduodenal a.+ having gastric brs., omental brs.+ blood
supply to lower part of the pyloric region of the stomach, right part of greater curvature of the
stomach, greater omentum+ right gastro-omental a anastomoses with the left gastro-omental a.
near the greater curvature of the stomach; also known as: right gastroepiploic a.
Gastroduodenal a= originating from common hepatic a.+ having branches of supraduodenal aa.,
retroduodenal aa., posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal a., anterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal a., right gastro-omental a. + blood supply to upper duodenum, upper part of
the head of the pancreas; greater curvature of the stomach on the right+ gastroduodenal a. supplies
the lowest portion of the foregut and its derivatives
genicular, descending= originating from femoral a.+ having saphenous br., articular brs.+ blood
supply to skin and superficial structures of the medial aspect of the knee and upper leg+ descending
genicular a. anastomoses with the genicular brs. of the popliteal a.
genicular, inferior lateral= originating from popliteal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
lateral aspect of the knee+ inferior lateral genicular a. anastomoses with the other genicular brs. of
the popliteal a., circumflex fibular a. and anterior tibial recurrent a. to form the genicular
anastomosis
genicular, inferior medial= originating from popliteal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
medial aspect of the knee+ inferior medial genicular a. anastomoses with the other genicular brs. of
anastomosis
genicular, middle=originating from popliteal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
cruciate ligaments and deep structures of the knee+ middle genicular a. anastomoses with the other
genicular brs. of the popliteal a., circumflex fibular a. and anterior tibial recurrent a. to form the
genicular anastomosis
genicular, superior lateral= originating from popliteal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to lateral aspect of knee+superior lateral genicular a. anastomoses with the other genicular brs. of
anastomosis
genicular, superior medial= originating from popliteal a+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to medial aspect of knee+superior medial genicular a. anastomoses with the other genicular brs. of
anastomosis
gluteal, inferior= originating from internal iliac a., anterior division+ having unnamed muscular
branches+ blood supply to gluteus maximus m., hip joint+ inferior gluteal a. participates in the
formation of the cruciate anastomoses of the hip
gluteal, ssuperio= originating from internal iliac, posterior division+ having superficial br., deep br.+
blood supply to gluteus maximus m., gluteus medius m., gluteus minimus m., hip joint+ superior
gluteal a. participates in the formation of the cruciate anastomoses of the hip
great anterior radicular= originating from the spinal br. of the lower posterior intercostal a.,
subcostal a., or upper lumbar a., usually on left+ having no named branches+ blood supply to lower
spinal cord+ great anterior radicular a. anastomoses with the anterior spinal a. at lower thoracic or
upper lumbar spinal cord levels
greater palatine = originating from descending palatine a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to hard palate, palatine glands, palatine mucosa + greater palatine a. accompanies the greater
palatine n., it is endangered by anesthetic injections for dental procedures
hepatic, common= originating from celiac trunk+ having branches of gastroduodenal a., proper
hepatic a.+ blood supply to liver, upper parts of the duodenum, upper part of the pancreas, right
side of the stomach+ common hepatic a. supplies some of the foregut derivatives
hepatic, left= originating from proper hepatic a.+ having branches of segmental aa.+ blood supply to
left lobe of the liver, quadrate lobe of the liver, part of the caudate lobe of the liver+ left hepatic a.
supplies the liver parenchyma and stroma; an aberrant left hepatic a. may arise from the left gastric
a.
hepatic, proper= originating from common hepatic a.+ having branches of right gastric, right & left
hepatic+ blood supply to liver, lesser curvature of the stomach+ proper hepatic a. supplies the
foregut derivatives associated with the liver bud
hepatic, right= originating from proper hepatic a.+ having branches of cystic a., segmental aa.+ blood
supply to right lobe of the liver, part of the caudate lobe of the liver+ right hepatic a. supplies the
liver parenchyma and stroma
highest intercostal= originating from costocervical trunk+ having branches of posterior intercostal
aa. for intercostal spaces 1-2+ blood supply to intercostal muscles of intercostal spaces 1 and 2,
vertebral column, deep back muscles+highest intercostal a. is also known as: supreme intercostal a.
humeral, anterior circumflex axillary a., 3rd part unnamed muscular branches deltoid m.;
arm muscles near the surgical neck of the humerus anterior circumflex humeral a. anastomoses
with the posterior circumflex humeral a.
humeral, posterior circumflex= originating from axillary a., 3rd part+ having unnamed muscular
branches+ blood supply to deltoid; arm muscles near the surgical neck of the humerus+posterior
Ileocolic= originating from superior mesenteric a.+ having colic br., anterior cecal br., posterior cecal
br., appendicular a., ileal br.+ blood supply to cecum, appendix, terminal portion of the ileum+colic
br. of the ileocolic a. participates in the formation of the marginal a.
iliac, common= originating from abdominal aorta+ having branches of external iliac a., internal iliac
a.+ blood supply to pelvis, lower limb+ abdominal aorta bifurcates at the level of the L4 vertebral
body to form the right and left common iliac aa.; the common iliac artery bifurcates anterior to the
sacroiliac articulation into its terminal brs. (external iliac a. and internal iliac a.)
iliac, external= originating from common iliac a.+ having inferior epigastric a., deep circumflex iliac a.,
femoral a.+ blood supply to lower limb+ external iliac a. is continuous with the femoral a., the name
change occurs at the inguinal ligament; the common iliac artery bifurcates anterior to the sacroiliac
articulation
iliac, internal=originating from common iliac a.+ having branches of anterior division gives rise to the
: umbilical a., obturator a., uterine a., vaginal a., inferior vesical a., middle rectal a., internal
pudendal a., inferior gluteal a.; posterior division gives rise to the: iliolumbar a., lateral sacral a.,
superior gluteal a.+ blood supply to pelvic viscera, gluteal region, hip, medial thigh+ common iliac
artery bifurcates anterior to the sacroiliac articulation to form the internal iliac a. and the external
iliac a.
Iliolumbar a= originating from internal iliac a.,+ having branches of posterior division ,iliac br.,
lumbar br. ,+ blood supply to iliacus m., psoas major m., quadratus lumborum m.+ lumbar br. of the
iliolumbar a. sends a small spinal br. into the vertebral canal
inferior alveolar= originating from maxillary a.+ having lingual br., mylohyoid a., dental brs., mental
a.+ blood supply to mandibular teeth and gingiva; mandible; mylohyoid m.+ inferior alveolar a. runs
with the inferior alveolar nerve within the mandibular canal
inferior epigastric= originating from external iliac a.+ having branches cremasteric a.+ blood supply
to lower rectus abdominis m., pyramidalis m., lower abdominal wall+ inferior epigastric m.
anastomoses with the superior epigastric m. within the rectus abdominis m.
inferior gluteal= originating from internal iliac a., anterior division+ having unnamed muscular
branches+ blood supply to gluteus maximus m., hip joint+ inferior gluteal a. participates in the
formation of the cruciate anastomoses of the hip
inferior labial= originating from facial a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to skin, muscles,
fasciae and mucosa of the lower lip+ inferior labial a. shares its region of distribution with branches
of the mental a.
inferior laryngeal= originating from inferior thyroid a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
internal part of the inferior larynx+ inferior laryngeal a. accompanies the inferior laryngeal n.
inferior lateral genicular a= originating from popliteal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to lateral aspect of the knee+ inferior lateral genicular a. anastomoses with the other genicular brs.
of the popliteal a., circumflex fibular a. and anterior tibial recurrent a. to form the genicular
anastomosis
inferior medial genicular a= originating from popliteal a. no named branches+ blood supply to medial
aspect of the knee+ inferior medial genicular a. anastomoses with the other genicular brs. of the
popliteal a., circumflex fibular a. and anterior tibial recurrent a. to form the genicular anastomosis
inferior mesenteric a= originating from abdominal aorta at the level of the L3 vertebral body+ having
branches of left colic a., sigmoid aa.(2-3), superior rectal a.+ blood supply to splenic flexure,
descending colon, sigmoid colon, superior part of rectum+ branches of the inferior mesenteric a
anastomose in the marginal artery
inferior pancreatic a= originating from dorsal pancreatic, left br.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to lower part of the body of the pancreas+ inferior pancreatic a. may be imbedded in the
substance of the gland
inferior pancreaticoduodenal a= originating from superior mesenteric a. + having branches of

anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a., posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a.+ blood supply to
lower duodenum, head of the pancreas+ inferior pancreaticoduodenal a. supplies both the anterior
and posterior surfaces of the lower duodenum and lower part of the head of the pancreas
inferior phrenic a= originating from abdominal aorta+ having branches of superior suprarenal aa.+
blood supply to diaphragm, suprarenal gland+ inferior phrenic a. is the first abdominal branch of the
aorta; it may arise from the celiac trunk
inferior rectal a= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
anus, ischioanal fossa+ inferior rectal a. anastomoses with the middle rectal a. and the superior
rectal a.
inferior suprarenal a= originating from renal a.+ having numerous unnamed branches+ blood supply
to inferior aspect of the suprarenal gland+ inferior suprarenal a. may anastomose with the superior
suprarenal a.
inferior thyroid a= originating from thyrocervical trunk+ having branches of ascending cervical a.,
inferior laryngeal a., esophageal brs., tracheal brs., glandular brs.+ blood supply to thyroid gland,
lower larynx, upper trachea, upper esophagus, deep neck muscles+ inferior thyroid a. gives rise to
the ascending cervical a. as it arches medially
inferior ulnar collateral a= originating from brachial a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to lower medial arm+ anastomoses with the anterior ulnar recurrent a.
inferior vesical a= originating from internal iliac a., anterior division or it may arise from the middle
rectal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to lower part of the urinary bladder,
prostate/vagina+ inferior vesical a. anastomoses with the middle rectal a.
Infraorbital a= originating from maxillary a.+ having branches of anterior superior alveolar a., middle
superior alveolar a.+ blood supply to maxillary sinus, maxillary incisors, canine and premolar teeth,
skin of the cheek below the orbit, mucosa over the maxillary alveolar arch and the adjacent cheek+
infraorbital a. is one of four terminal branches of the maxillary a. (see also: descending palatine a.,
sphenopalatine a., posterior superior alveolar a.)
intercostal, anterior a= originating from internal thoracic a. (upper 6 intercostal spaces),

musculophrenic a. (7-10th intercostal spaces)+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood supply to
intercostal muscles anteriorly; skin overlying the intercostal muscles+ there are two anterior
intercostal aa. per side per intercostal space, one coursing above and one coursing below each rib
intercostal, highest a= originating from costocervical trunk+ having posterior intercostal aa. for
intercostal spaces 1-2+ blood supply to intercostal muscles of intercostal spaces 1 and 2, vertebral
column, deep back muscles+ highest intercostal a. is also known as: supreme intercostal a.
intercostal, posterior a= originating from highest intercostal (upper 2 intercostal spaces), descending
thoracic aorta (3rd-11th intercostal spaces)+ having posterior br., spinal br., anterior br., collateral
br., lateral cutaneous br.+ blood supply to intercostal muscles, spinal cord and vertebral column,
deep back muscles, skin and superficial fascia overlying the intercostal spaces+ posterior intercostal
aa. supply the lateral and posterior portions of the intercostal space; anterior intercostal aa. supply
the anterior portions of the intercostal spaces
internal carotid a= originating from common carotid a.+ having branches none in the neck; in the
head: ophthalmic a., posterior communicating a., anterior cerebral a., middle cerebral a. brain; eye
and orbit; forehead+ blood supply to internal carotid a. is the primary blood supply to the brain; +it
anastomoses with the vertebral aa. and the contralateral internal carotid a. in the cerebral arterial
circle (of Willis); anterior and middle cerebral aa. are the terminal brs. of the internal carotid a.
internal iliac a= originating from common iliac a.+ having branches of anterior division gives rise to
the : umbilical a., obturator a., uterine a., vaginal a., inferior vesical a., middle rectal a., internal
pudendal a., inferior gluteal a.; posterior division gives rise to the: iliolumbar a., lateral sacral a.,
superior gluteal a.+ blood supply to pelvic viscera, gluteal region, hip, medial thigh+ common iliac
artery bifurcates anterior to the sacroiliac articulation to form the internal iliac a. and the external
iliac a.
internal pudendal a= originating from internal iliac a.,+ having branches of anterior division inferior
rectal a., perineal a., artery of the bulb of the clitoris/penis, urethral a., deep clitoral/penile a., dorsal
clitoral/penile a.+ blood supply to anus, muscles of the superficial and deep perineal spaces,
clitoris/penis, posterior aspect of the scrotum/labium majus+ internal pudendal a. is the primary
blood supply to the perineum
internal thoracic a= originating from subclavian a. (1st part)+ having branches of pericardiocophrenic
a., perforating brs., anterior intercostal aa., mediastinal brs., thymic brs., musculophrenic a., superior
epigastric a.+ blood supply to mediastinum, anterior thoracic wall, anterior abdominal wall,
respiratory diaphragm+ internal thoracic a. is also known as: internal mammary a.
interosseous recurrent a= originating from posterior interosseous a.+ having unnamed muscular
branches+ blood supply to anconeus m., elbow joint+ interosseous recurrent a. anastomoses with
the middle collateral a.
interosseous, anterior a= originating from common interosseous a.+ having muscular brs.; a. of the
median nerve+ blood supply to flexor pollicis longus m., flexor digitorum profundus m., pronator
quadratus m., radius, ulna, carpal bones+ anterior interosseous a. pierces the interosseous
membrane at its distal end to reach the dorsal carpal anastomosis
interosseous, common a= originating from ulnar a.+ having branches of anterior interosseous a.,
posterior interosseous a.+ blood supply to deep structures of the forearm+ common interosseous a.
supplies the deep forearm flexor and deep forearm extensor muscles
interosseous, posterior a= originating from common interosseous a.+ having branches of

interosseous recurrent+ blood supply to muscles of the posterior (extensor) forearm compartment:
supinator m., abductor pollicis longus m., extensor pollicis longus m., extensor pollicis brevis m.,
extensor indicis m.+ posterior interosseous a. passes proximal to the interosseous membrane to
reach the extensor compartment of the forearm
intestinal= originating from superior mesenteric a.+ having arterial arches+ blood supply to jejunum,
ileum+ intestinal aa. are 12-15 in number and are found in the mesentery
labial, inferior a= originating from facial a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to skin,
muscles, fasciae and mucosa of the lower lip+ inferior labial a. shares its region of distribution with
branches of the mental a.
labial, posterior a = originating from perineal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
posterior aspect of the labium majus+ posterior labial a. courses through the superficial perineal
space
labial, superior a= originating from facial a.+ having septal br.+ blood supply to skin, muscles, fasciae
and mucosa of the upper lip, lower part of the anterior end of the nasal septum+ superior labial a.
supplies the orbicularis oris m. and the levator labii superioris m.
Labyrinthine a= originating from anterior inferior cerebellar a. (or basilar a.)+ having no named
branches+ blood supply to internal ear+ labyrinthine a. accompanies cranial nerves VII and VIII
through the internal acoustic meatus
lacrimal a= originating from ophthalmic a.+ having branches of lateral palpebral aa. (2)+ blood
supply to lacrimal gland, lateral sides of the eyelids+ lacrimal a. accompanies the lacrimal n.
laryngeal, inferior a=originating from inferior thyroid a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to internal part of the inferior larynx+ inferior laryngeal a. accompanies the inferior laryngeal n.
laryngeal, superior a= originating from superior thyroid a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to internal aspect of the superior larynx+ superior laryngeal a. penetrates the thyrohyoid membrane
in company with the internal br. of the superior laryngeal n.
lateral mammary a= originating from lateral thoracic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
lateral side of the mammary gland+ mammary gland is a specialization of the skin and is supplied by
superficial (cutaneous) arteries
lateral nasal a= originating from facial a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to lateral side of
the nose+ lateral nasal a. anastomoses with the dorsal nasal a.
lateral palpebral a= originating from lacrimal a.+ having superior br., inferior br.+ blood supply to
lateral sides of the upper and lower eyelids+the 2 lateral palpebral aa. anastomose with the two
medial palpebral aa. to form the superior and inferior palpebral arches
lateral plantar a= originating from posterior tibial a.+ having branches of proper plantar digital a. +
blood supply to lateral side of 5th digit deep foot; the plantar arterial arch and its brs. supply the
toes, including the distal phalangeal segment dorsally+lateral plantar a. becomes continuous with
the plantar arterial arch
lateral sacral a= originating from internal iliac a., posterior division+ having spinal brs.+ blood supply
to sacrum, sacral nerve rootlets, meninges, adjacent muscles+ there are usually 2 lateral sacral aa.
on each side, a superior one and an inferior one
lateral tarsal a= originating from dorsalis pedis a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to tarsal
bones and joints of the lateral foot+ lateral tarsal a. anastomoses with the arcuate a.
lateral thoracic a= originating from axillary, 2nd part+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to serratus anterior m., parts of adjacent muscles, skin and fascia of the anterolateral thoracic
wall+ lateral thoracic a. is a rare case in that it enters the serratus anterior from its superficial
surface
left bronchial a=originating from descending thoracic aorta+having branches of right bronchial a.
(occasionally)+ blood supply to lower trachea, bronchial tree+ there are usually two left bronchial aa.
left colic a= originating from inferior mesenteric a.+ having ascending br., descending br. + blood
supply to descending colon+ left colic a. anastomoses with the middle colic a and the sigmoid a.to
form part of the marginal a.
left coronary a= originating from ascending aorta+ having branches of anterior interventricular a.,
circumflex a.+ blood supply to left ventricle, left atrium, anterosuperior 2/3 of the interventricular
septum+ left coronary a. arises superior to the left cusp of the aortic semilunar valve; during its short
course, it is located in the coronary sulcus; the anterior interventricular a. and the circumflex a. are
its terminal brs.
left gastric a= originating from celiac a.+ having esophageal brs.+ blood supply to superior part of the
stomach near the lesser curvature+ left gastric a. anastomoses with the right gastric a. on the lesser
curvature of the stomach; it also anastomoses with the esophageal brs. of the thoracic aorta
left gastro-omental a= originating from splenic a.+ having gastric brs., omental brs.+ blood supply to
mid-part of the stomach near the greater curvature; greater omentum+ left gastro-omental a.
anastomoses with the right gastro-omental a. near the greater curvature of the stomach; also known
as: left gastroepiploic a.
left hepatic a= originating from proper hepatic a.+ having segmental aa.+ blood supply to left lobe of
the liver, quadrate lobe of the liver, part of the caudate lobe of the liver+ left hepatic a. supplies the
liver parenchyma and stroma; an aberrant left hepatic a. may arise from the left gastric a.
lesser palatine a= originating from descending palatine a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to muscles of the soft palate, mucosa and glands of the soft palate, upper part of the tonsil bed+
lesser palatine a. is endangered by anesthetic injections for dental procedures
lingual a= originating from external carotid a.+ having suprahyoid br., dorsal lingual brs., deep lingual
a., sublingual a.+ blood supply to tongue, suprahyoid muscles, palatine tonsil+ lingual a. is the 2nd
branch off of the anterior side of the external carotid a.; it may arise in common with the facial a.
lingual, deep a=originating from lingual a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to anterior
tongue+ deep lingual a. is the terminal br. of the lingual a.
lingual, dorsal a= originating from lingual a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to posterior
tongue, palatine tonsil, soft palate+ dorsal lingual a. is only one of five arteries that supply the tonsil
bed
lumbar a= originating from abdominal aorta+ having anterior br., posterior br., spinal br. + blood
supply to psoas major m., psoas minor m., quadratus lumborum m., spinal cord and vertebral
column, deep back muscles+ the 4 lumbar arteries on each side arise from the posterior surface of
the aorta at the level of vertebrae L1-L4; they course posterior to the psoas major m.

malleolar, anterior lateral a= originating from anterior tibial a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to lateral side of the ankle+ anterior lateral malleolar a. anastomoses with the posterior
lateral malleolar a. and the perforating br. of the fibular a.
malleolar, anterior medial a= originating from anterior tibial a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to medial side of the ankle+ anterior medial malleolar a. anastomoses with the posterior
medial malleolar a.
malleolar, posterior lateral a= originating from fibular a. + having calcaneal brs.+ blood supply to
lateral side of the ankle posterior lateral malleolar a. anastomoses with the anterior lateral malleolar
a.
malleolar, posterior medial a= originating from posterior tibial a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to medial side of the ankle+ posterior medial malleolar a. anastomoses with the anterior
medial malleolar a.
mammary, lateral a= originating from lateral thoracic a. + having no named branches+ blood supply
to lateral side of the mammary gland+ mammary gland is a specialization of the skin and is supplied
by superficial (cutaneous) arteries
mammary, medial a= originating from perforating brs. of the internal thoracic a.+ having no named
branches+ blood supply to medial side of the mammary gland+ mammary gland is a specialization of
the skin and is supplied by superficial (cutaneous) arteries
marginal a= originating from formed by anastomoses of branches of the ileocolic a., right colic a.,
middle colic a., left colic a., sigmoid a.+ having colic brs.+ blood supply to colon+ an important
anastomosis for the large intestine
masseteric a= originating from maxillary a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to masseter
m.+ masseteric a. passes through the mandibular notch to enter the deep surface of the masseter m.
Maxillary a= originating from external carotid a.+ having branches of deep auricular a., anterior
tympanic a., middle meningeal a., inferior alveolar a., masseteric a., posterior deep temporal a.,
anterior deep temporal a., buccal a., posterior superior alveolar a., infraorbital a., a. of the pterygoid
canal, descending palatine a., sphenopalatine a.+ blood supply to deep face, infratemporal fossa,
tympanic cavity, muscles of mastication+ maxillary a. may course medial or lateral to the lateral
pterygoid m.
medial mammary a= originating from perforating brs. of the internal thoracic a.+ having no named
branches+ blood supply to medial side of the mammary gland+ mammary gland is a specialization of
the skin and is supplied by superficial (cutaneous) arteries
medial palpebral a= originating from ophthalmic a.+ having superior br., inferior br.+ blood supply to
medial aspects of the upper and lower eyelids+ the 2 medial palpebral aa. anastomose with the two
lateral palpebral aa. to form the superior & inferior palpebral arches
medial plantar a= originating from posterior tibial a.+ having digital brs. (3)+ blood supply to medial
side of the sole of the foot+ medial plantar a. anastomoses with the plantar metatarsal aa., but does
not usually participate in formation of the plantar arterial arch
medial tarsal a= originating from dorsalis pedis a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
tarsal bones and joints of the medial side of the foot+ medial tarsal aa. are 2-3 in number; they
anastomose with the medial malleolar aa.
median sacral a= originating from abdominal aorta+ having branches of 5th lumbar aa.+blood supply
to sacrum+ median sacral a. appears to be the continuation of the abdominal aorta in the median
plane, although it is much smaller in size
meningeal, middle a= originating from maxillary a.+ having frontal br., parietal br., petrous br.,
superior tympanic br.+ blood supply to most of the dura mater (approx. 80%), bones of the cranial
vault+ middle meningeal a. passes through the foramen spinosum; it may be torn by a fracture at
the pterion; it is encircled by the auriculotemporal n.
mental inferior a= originating from alveolar a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to skin,
superficial fascia and facial mm. of the chin and lower lip+ mental a.passes through the mental
foramen; it anastomoses with the inferior labial a.; it accompanies the mental n.
mesenteric, inferior a= originating from abdominal aorta at the level of the L3 vertebral body+
having branches of left colic a., sigmoid aa.(2-3), superior rectal a.+ blood supply to splenic flexure,
descending colon, sigmoid colon, superior part of rectum+ branches of the inferior mesenteric a
anastomose in the marginal artery
mesenteric, superior a= originating from abdominal aorta at the level of the lower 1/3 of the L1
vertebral body+ having branches of inferior pancreaticoduodenal a., middle colic a., jejunal a., ileal
a., right colic a., ileocolic a.+ blood supply to inferior part of the head of the pancreas, distal
duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix, ascending colon, transverse colon+ superior
mesenteric a. supplies the midgut derivatives; brs. of the superior mesenteric a. participate in
formation of the marginal artery
metacarpal, dorsal a= originating from 1st: radial a.; 2-4: dorsal carpal arterial arch+ having branches
of dorsal digital aa. (2)+ blood supply to dorsum of 2 adjacent digits, excluding the distal phalangeal
segment+ each dorsal metacarpal a. gives off a perforating br. that anastomoses with the deep
palmar arterial arch
metacarpal, palmar a= originating from deep palmar arch+ having branches of proper palmar digital
aa.+ blood supply to interosseous mm., deep hand+ palmar metacarpal aa. join with the common
palmar digital aa. Commented [2]:
metatarsal, dorsal a= originating from dorsalis pedis (1st), arcuate (2nd-4th)+ having branches of
dorsal digital aa. (2)+ blood supply to dorsum of digits, excluding the distal phalangeal segment+
each dorsal metatarsal a. gives off a perforating br. that anastomoses with the plantar arterial arch
metatarsal, plantar a= originating from plantar arterial arch+ having perforating br., plantar digital
aa. (2)+ blood supply to interosseous mm., deep portions of the foot; digits including the dorsum of
the distal phalangeal segment+ plantar metatarsal aa.anastomose with dorsal metatarsal aa.
middle cerebral a= originating from internal carotid a.+ having branches of lateral frontobasal a.;
prefrontal sulcal a.; precentral sulcal a.; central sulcal a.; anterior parietal a.; posterior parietal a.;
anterior, middle and posterior temporal aa.+ blood supply to frontal, parietal and temporal lobes,
especially on their lateral surfaces+ the middle cerebral a. is the direct continuation of the internal
carotid a.
middle colic a= originating from superior mesenteric+ having right br., left br.+ blood supply to
transverse colon+ middle colic a. anastomoses with the right colic a. and the left colic a. to form part
of the marginal a.
middle collateral a= originating from deep brachial a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to medial head of triceps, anconeus+ anastomoses with the interosseous recurrent a.
middle genicular a= originating from popliteal a+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
cruciate ligaments and deep structures of the knee+ middle genicular a. anastomoses with the other
genicular brs. of the popliteal a., circumflex fibular a. and anterior tibial recurrent a. to form the
genicular anastomosis
middle meningeal a= originating from maxillary a.+ having frontal br., parietal br., petrous br.,
superior tympanic br.+ blood supply to most of the dura mater (approx. 80%), bones of the cranial
vault+ middle meningeal a. passes through the foramen spinosum; it may be torn by a fracture at
the pterion; it is encircled by the auriculotemporal n.
middle rectal a= originating from internal iliac, anterior division+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to middle portion of the rectum+ middle rectal a. anastomoses with the inferior rectal a and
the superior rectal a.
middle superior alveolar a= originating from infraorbital a.+ having dental brs., mucosal brs.+ blood
supply to maxillary premolar teeth; part of the maxillary sinus+ middle superior alveolar a. is located
between the inner and outer tables of bone of the maxilla
middle suprarenal a= originating from abdominal aorta+ having numerous unnamed branches+
blood supply to medial side of the suprarenal gland+middle suprarenal a. anastomoses with the
superior suprarenal a. and the inferior suprarenal a.
middle temporal a= originating from superficial temporal a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to temporalis m.+ middle temporal a. anastomoses with the posterior br. of the deep
temporal a.
musculophrenic a= originating from internal thoracic a.+ having branches of anterior intercostal aa.+
blood supply to anterior diaphragm, anterior aspects of intercostal spaces 7-10 or 11+
musculophrenic a. supplies muscles that develop in the septum transversum
mylohyoid a= originating from inferior alveolar a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
mylohyoid m.+ mylohyoid a. accompanies the mylohyoid n. to the mylohyoid m.; a rare artery
because it enters the superficial surface of its target muscle
nasal, dorsal a= originating from ophthalmic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to dorsum
of the nose+ dorsal nasal a. anastomoses with the angular a.
nasal, lateral a= originating from facial a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to lateral side of
the nose+ lateral nasal a. anastomoses with the dorsal nasal a.
nodal, atrioventricular a= originating from right coronary a. near the point where it becomes the
posterior interventricular a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to atrioventricular node and
the surrounding myocardium+ artery to the atrioventricular node is located at the junction of the
coronary sulcus and the posterior interventricular sulcus
nodal, sinuatrial a= originating from right coronary a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
sinuatrial node and the surrounding myocardium+ sinuatrial nodal a. is an important artery to locate
during cardiac surgical procedures
Obturator a= originating from internal iliac a., anterior division+ having pubic br., acetabular br.,
anterior br., posterior br.+ blood supply to medial thigh and hip+ anterior and posterior brs. pass on
the anterior and posterior sides of the adductor brevis m.; aberrant obturator a. arises from the
inferior epigastric a. in 30% of cases
Occipital a= originating from external carotid a.+ having sternocleidomastoid brs., auricular br.,
mastoid br., descending br., occipital brs.+ blood supply to lateral neck, posterior neck, posterior
scalp+ occipital a. anastomoses with the deep cervical a.; it courses with the greater occipital nerve
on the posterior surface of the head
of bulb of penis a= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to bulb of the penis and associated tissues+ artery of the bulb of the penis courses within the deep
of bulb of vestibule a= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches + blood
supply to bulb of the vestibule and associated tissues+ artery of the bulb of the vestibule courses
within the deep perineal space to enter the deep surface of the bulb
ophthalmic a= originating from internal carotid a.+ having branches of central retinal a., lacrimal a.,
muscular brs., anterior ethmoidal a., posterior ethmoidal a., medial palpebral a., supraorbital a.,
supratrochlear a., dorsal nasal a.+ blood supply to optic nerve, optic chiasm optic tract, retina,
extraocular mm., eyelids, forehead, ethmoidal air cells, lateral nasal wall, dorsum of the nose+
ophthalmic a. provides the only artery to the retina (central retinal a.)
ovarian a= originating from abdominal aorta+ having tubal brs., uterine brs.+ blood supply to ovary,
uterine tube+ ovarian a. anastomoses with the uterine a.
palatine, ascending a= originating from facial a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
superior pharyngeal constrictor, soft palate, palatine tonsil+ ascending palatine a. shares supply of
the tonsil bed with 4 other aa. (see also: tonsillar br. of the facial a., palatine br. of the ascending
pharyngeal a., tonsillar br. of the dorsal lingual a., tonsillar br. of the descending palatine a.)
palatine, descending a= originating from maxillary a.+ having branches of greater palatine a., lesser
palatine a.+ blood supply to palate+ descending palatine a. accompanies the greater palatine n.
within the palatine canal
palatine, greater a= originating from descending palatine a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to hard palate, palatine glands, palatine mucosa+ greater palatine a. accompanies the greater
palatine n., it is endangered by anesthetic injections for dental procedures
palatine, lesser a= originating from descending palatine a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to muscles of the soft palate, mucosa and glands of the soft palate, upper part of the tonsil
bed+ lesser palatine a. is endangered by anesthetic injections for dental procedures
palmar arch, deep= originating from radial a., deep br. of ulnar a.+ having branches of palmar
metacarpal aa. (2nd-4th), perforating brs.+ blood supply to deep palm, digits including the dorsum of
the distal phalangeal segment+ deep palmar arterial arch receives the majority of its blood supply
from the radial a.
palmar arch, superficial = originating from ulnar a., superficial palmar br. of the radial a.+ having
branches of common palmar digital aa. (3)+ blood supply to superficial palm, palmar surface of the
digits excluding thumb, dorsum of the distal phalangeal segments of digits 2-5+ superficial palmar
palmar digital, common superficial= originating from palmar arterial arch+ having branches proper
palmar digital aa. (2)+ blood supply to palmar aspect two adjacent digits+ common palmar digital aa.
anastomose with palmar metacarpal aa.
palmar digital, proper= originating from common palmar digital a.+ having no named branches+
blood supply to palmar aspect of each digit+ proper palmar digital aa. supply the dorsum of the
distal phalangeal segment and nail bed
palmar metacarpal= originating from deep palmar arch+ having branches of proper palmar digital
aa.+ blood supply to interosseous mm., deep hand+ palmar metacarpal aa. join with the common
palmar digital aa.
palpebral, lateral= originating from lacrimal a.+ having superior br., inferior br.+ blood supply to
lateral sides of the upper and lower eyelids+ the 2 lateral palpebral aa. anastomose with the two
medial palpebral aa. to form the superior and inferior palpebral arches
palpebral, medial a= originating from ophthalmic a.+ having branches of superior br., inferior br.+
blood supply to medial aspects of the upper and lower eyelids+ the 2 medial palpebral aa.
anastomose with the two lateral palpebral aa. to form the superior & inferior palpebral arches
pancreatic, caudal a= originating from splenic a.+ having numerous small aa. that supply the
pancreas+ blood supply to tail of the pancreas+ caudal pancreatic a. enters the tail of the pancreas
near the hilum of the spleen; it may arise from the left gastro-omental a.
pancreatic, dorsal a= originating from splenic a.+ having right br., left br.+ blood supply to neck of
the pancreas+ right br.of the dorsal pancreatic a. anastomoses with the anterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal a. in the prepancreatic arcade
pancreatic, inferior a= originating from dorsal pancreatic, left br+having. no named branches+ blood
supply to lower part of the body of the pancreas+ inferior pancreatic a. may be imbedded in the
substance of the gland
pancreatic, superior a= originating from splenic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
superior part of the body of the pancreas+ superior pancreatic aa. are multiple small brs. arising
from the splenic a.
pancreatica magna a= originating from splenic a.+ having numerous unnamed brs. within the
pancreas+ blood supply to body of the pancreas + pancreatic magna is the largest pancreatic branch
to arise from the splenic a.; it enters the pancreas at the junction of its middle 1/3 and left 1/3
pancreaticoduodenal, anterior inferior a= originating from inferior pancreaticoduodenal a.+ having

pancreatic brs., duodenal brs.+ blood supply to lower duodenum and head of the pancreas+ anterior
inferior pancreaticoduodenal a. anastomoses with the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal a. to
form the anterior pancreatic arcade
pancreaticoduodenal, anterior superior a= originating from gastroduodenal a.+ having pancreatic

brs., duodenal brs.+ blood supply to upper duodenum and head of the pancreas+ anterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal a. anastomoses with the anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a. to form the
anterior pancreatic arcade
pancreaticoduodenal, inferior a= originating from superior mesenteric a.+ having anterior inferior
pancreaticoduodenal a., posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a.+ blood supply to lower
duodenum, head of the pancreas+ inferior pancreaticoduodenal a. supplies both the anterior and
posterior surfaces of the lower duodenum and lower part of the head of the pancreas
pancreaticoduodenal, posterior inferior a= originating from inferior pancreaticoduodenal a.+ having

pancreatic brs., duodenal brs.+ blood supply to lower duodenum and head of the pancreas+
posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a. anastomoses with the posterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal a. to form the posterior pancreatic arcade
pancreaticoduodenal, posterior superior a= originating from gastroduodenal a.+ having pancreatic

brs., duodenal brs.+ blood supply to upper duodenum and head of the pancreas+ posterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal a. anastomoses with the posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a. to form the
posterior pancreatic arcade
pectoral a= originating from thoracoacromial trunk+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to pectoralis major m., pectoralis minor m.+ pectoral a. accompanies the lateral pectoral n.
penis, deep a= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
corpus cavernosum of the penis + deep a. of the penis and dorsal a. of the penis are the terminal brs.
penis, dorsal a= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
superficial tissues of the penis+ dorsal a. of the penis and deep a. of the penis are the terminal brs.
penis, of bulb a= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
bulb of the penis and associated tissues + artery of the bulb of the penis courses within the deep
pericardiacophrenic a= originating from internal thoracic a.+ having pericardial br., sternal br.,
mediastinal br.+ blood supply to pericardial sac, pleura, diaphragm + pericardiacophrenic a.
accompanies the phrenic n.
Pericardial a= originating from pericardiacophrenic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
pericardial sac+ pericardial a. courses on the external surface of the pericardial sac
Perineal a= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having posterior labial/scrotal; deep br.+ blood
supply to posterior aspect of the scrotum/labium majus; muscles of the superficial perineal space+
perineal a. courses superficial to the superficial transverse perineus m.; it courses with the perineal
n.
pharyngeal, ascending a= originating from external carotid+ having pharyngeal brs., inferior
tympanic, posterior meningeal+ blood supply to pharynx+ arises from the medial side of the external
carotid a. close to the birfurcation
phrenic, inferior a= originating from abdominal aorta+ having branches of superior suprarenal aa.+
blood supply to diaphragm, suprarenal gland+ inferior phrenic a. is the first abdominal branch of the
aorta; it may arise from the celiac trunk
phrenic, superior a= originating from descending thoracic aorta (2 small brs.)+ having no named
branches+ blood supply to diaphragm+ superior phrenic a. anastomoses with the musculophrenic a.
and the pericardiacophrenic a.
plantar arterial arch a= originating from lateral plantar a.+ having branches of plantar metatarsal aa.
(4)+ blood supply to deep foot; its plantar metatarsal brs. and their brs. supply the toes, including
the dorsum of the distal phalangeal segment+ plantar arterial arch anastomoses with the deep
plantar br. of the dorsalis pedis a.
plantar metatarsal a= originating from plantar arterial arch+ having perforating br., plantar digital aa.
(2)+ blood supply to interosseous mm., deep portions of the foot; digits including the dorsum of the
distal phalangeal segment+ plantar metatarsal aa.anastomose with dorsal metatarsal aa.
plantar, deep a= originating from dorsalis pedis+ having plantar metatarsal aa. (4)+ blood supply to
deep foot; its plantar metatarsal brs. and their brs. supply the toes, including the dorsum of the
distal phalangeal segment+ anastomoses with lateral plantar a. to form the plantar arterial arch; the
branches mentioned at left arise from the plantar arterial arch
plantar, lateral a= originating from posterior tibial a.+ having branches of proper plantar digital a. to
lateral side of 5th digit+ blood supply to deep foot; the plantar arterial arch and its brs. supply the
toes, including the distal phalangeal segment dorsally+ lateral plantar a. becomes continuous with
the plantar arterial arch
plantar, medial a= originating from posterior tibial a.+ having digital brs. (3)+ blood supply to medial
side of the sole of the foot+ medial plantar a. anastomoses with the plantar metatarsal aa., but does
not usually participate in formation of the plantar arterial arch
popliteal a= originating from femoral a. + having branches of anterior tibial a., posterior tibial a., 5
genicular brs.+ blood supply to knee, leg and foot+ the popliteal a. is the continuation of the femoral
a., the name change occurs at the adductor hiatus
posterior auricular a= originating from external carotid a.+ having stylomastoid br., auricular br.,
occipital br.+ blood supply to part of the external ear, scalp and deeper structures posterior to the
ear+ posterior auricular and greater occipital share their region of distribution
posterior cecal a= originating from ileocolic a.+ having branches of may give off the appendicular a.+
blood supply to posterior surface of the cecum+ posterior cecal a. supplies the ileocecal junction
posterior cerebral a= originating from basilar a.+ having branches of posterior cerebral a.; anterior
and posterior temporal brs.; medial occipital a.+ blood supply to part of the brainstem (oculomotor
nucleus, nucleus of Edinger-Westphal, trochlear nucleus); medial and inferior portions of the
temporal lobe; occipital lobe+ the two posterior cerebral aa. are the terminal brs. of the basilar a.
posterior circumflex humeral a= originating from axillary a., 3rd part+ having unnamed muscular
branches+ blood supply to deltoid; arm muscles near the surgical neck of the humerus+ posterior
posterior communicating a= originating from internal carotid a.+ having branches of perforating aa.+
an anastomotic connection+a vessel of anastomosis which connects the internal carotid a. to the
posterior cerebral a.; part of the cerebral arterial circle (of Willis)
posterior deep temporal a= originating from maxillary a. + having no named branches+ blood supply
to posterior part of the temporalis m.+ posterior deep temporal a. branches in the infratemporal
fossa and runs deep to temporalis m.
posterior ethmoidal a= originating from ophthalmic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
posterior ethmoidal air cells; olfactory nerves+ posterior ethmoidal a. leaves the orbit through the
posterior ethmoidal foramen
posterior inferior cerebellar a= originating from vertebral a.+ having branches of posterior spinal a.+
blood supply to part of cerebellum; medulla (cochlear nucleus, vestibular nucleus, dorsal motor
nucleus of cranial nerve X, nucleus ambiguus)+ posterior inferior cerebellar a. shares its region of
supply with the vertebral a. and anterior spinal a. (watershed region)
posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a= originating from inferior pancreaticoduodenal a.+ having

pancreatic brs., duodenal brs.+ blood supply to lower duodenum and head of the pancreas+
posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a. anastomoses with the posterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal a. to form the posterior pancreatic arcade
posterior intercostal a= originating from highest intercostal (upper 2 intercostal spaces), descending
thoracic aorta (3rd-11th intercostal spaces)+ having posterior br., spinal br., anterior br., collateral
br., lateral cutaneous br.+ blood supply to intercostal muscles, spinal cord and vertebral column,
deep back muscles, skin and superficial fascia overlying the intercostal spaces+ posterior intercostal
aa. supply the lateral and posterior portions of the intercostal space; anterior intercostal aa. supply
the anterior portions of the intercostal spaces
posterior interosseous a= originating from common interosseous a.+ having branches of

interosseous recurrent+ blood supply to muscles of the posterior (extensor) forearm compartment:
supinator m., abductor pollicis longus m., extensor pollicis longus m., extensor pollicis brevis m.,
extensor indicis m.+posterior interosseous a. passes proximal to the interosseous membrane to
reach the extensor compartment of the forearm
posterior labial a= originating from perineal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
posterior aspect of the labium majus+ posterior labial a. courses through the superficial perineal
space
posterior lateral malleolar a= originating from fibular a.+ having calcaneal brs.+ blood supply to
lateral side of the ankle posterior lateral malleolar a. anastomoses with the anterior lateral malleolar
a.
posterior medial malleolar a= originating from posterior tibial a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to medial side of the ankle+ posterior medial malleolar a. anastomoses with the anterior
medial malleolar a.
posterior radicular a= originating from they arise as multiple branches of several vessels (vertebral,
posterior intercostal, lumbar, and lateral sacral aa.)+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
meninges; spinal cord; spinal nerve; dorsal rootlets+ posterior radicular aa. accompany the dorsal
rootlets; they anastomose with the posterior spinal aa.
posterior scrotal a= originating from perineal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
posterior aspect of the scrotum+ posterior scrotal a. passes superficial to the superficial transverse
perineus m.
posterior septal a= originating from sphenopalatine a. (several small brs.)+ having no named
branches+ blood supply to posterior aspect of the nasal septum+ posterior septal a. supplies the
mucous membrane of the nasal septum
posterior spinal a= originating from contributions received from several arteries (posterior inferior
cerebellar, vertebral, posterior intercostal, subcostal, lumbar, lateral sacral aa.)+pial arterial plexus+
blood supply to spinal cord, especially the dorsal columns; medulla (nucleus cuneatus and nucleus
gracilis) paired; + posterior spinal aa. anastomose with the posterior radicular brs. of the spinal rami
of the vertebral, posterior intercostal, subcostal, lumbar and lateral sacral aa.
posterior superior alveolar a= originating from maxillary a.+having dental brs., mucosal brs.+ blood
supply to maxillary molar teeth; part of the maxillary sinus+ posterior superior alveolar a. enters the
maxilla in the infratemporal fossa
posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal a= originating from gastroduodenal a.+ having pancreatic

brs., duodenal brs.+ blood supply to upper duodenum and head of the pancreas+ posterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal a. anastomoses with the posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a. to form the
posterior pancreatic arcade
posterior tibial a= originating from popliteal a.+ having branches of fibular a. (peroneal), circumflex
fibular a., nutrient a. of the tibia, communicating br., posterior medial malleolar brs., medial
calcaneal brs., lateral plantar a., medial plantar a.+ blood supply to posterior and lateral leg, plantar
aspect of the foot+ posterior tibial a. is the direct continuation of the popliteal a. the name change
occurs at the inferior border of the popliteus m. where the popliteal a. bifurcates; the tibial a.
bifurcates on the medial side of the foot to give rise to the medial plantar a. and lateral plantar a.
posterior tibial recurrent a= originating from anterior tibial a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to posterior knee, popliteus m.+ anastomoses with the other genicular aa. to participate in
the formation of the genicular anastomosis
posterior ulnar recurrent a= originating from ulnar a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to medial side of the elbow, forearm flexor mm.+ posterior ulnar recurrent a. often arises
from a common trunk with the anterior ulnar recurrent a.
princeps pollicis a= originating from radial a.+ having two brs. to the thumb+ blood supply to palmar
aspect of the thumb including the dorsum of the distal phalangeal segment+ arteria princeps pollicis
is similar in function to a proper digital aa.; this artery has a large pulse which can be felt when
attempting to take the pulse of a patient - use fingers to feel for the patient's pulse
proper hepatic a= originating from common hepatic a.+ having branches of right gastric, right & left
hepatic+ blood supply to liver, lesser curvature of the stomach+ proper hepatic a. supplies the
foregut derivatives associated with the liver bud
proper palmar digital a= originating from common palmar digital a.+ having no named branches+
blood supply to palmar aspect of each digit+ proper palmar digital aa. supply the dorsum of the
distal phalangeal segment and nail bed
proper plantar digital a= originating from plantar metatarsal a., from the plantar arterial arch+
having no named branches+ blood supply to plantar aspect of each digit+ proper plantar digital aa.
supply the dorsum of the distal phalangeal segment and nail bed
pudendal, deep external a= originating from femoral a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
pudendal, internal a= originating from internal iliac a., anterior division+ having branches of inferior
rectal a., perineal a., artery of the bulb of the clitoris/penis, urethral a., deep clitoral/penile a., dorsal
clitoral/penile a.+ blood supply to anus, muscles of the superficial and deep perineal spaces,
clitoris/penis, posterior aspect of the scrotum/labium majus+ internal pudendal a. is the primary
blood supply to the perineum
pudendal, superficial external a= originating from femoral a.+ having no named branches+ blood
pulmonary trunk= originating from right ventricle+ having branches of right pulmonary a., left
pulmonary aa.+ blood supply to lungs+the pulmonary trunk carries deoxygenated blood from the
heart to the right and left pulmonary aa.; each pulmonary a. carries deoxygenated blood to the
hilum of one lung; bronchial aa. supply oxygenated blood to the tissues of the lung as far distally in
the bronchial tree as the respiratory bronchioles
Quadrigeminal a= originating from posterior cerebral+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
trochlear nerve; corpora quadrigemina+ blockage of the quadrigeminal a. results in paralysis of the
superior oblique m. of the eye
Radial a= originating from brachial a.+ having branches of radial recurrent a., palmar carpal br.,
superficial palmar br., dorsal carpal br., 1st dorsal metacarpal a., princeps pollicis a., radialis indicis
a., deep palmar arterial arch+ blood supply to posterior elbow, posterior forearm, posterior hand,
deep portion of palmar side of the hand, thumb + radial a. provides the majority of blood supply to
the deep palmar arterial arch; normally it arises at the level of the elbow but may high branching of
the brachial a. may result in the radial a. arising as proximal as the axilla
radial collateral a= originating from deep brachial a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to lower lateral arm+ travels with the radial nerve; anastomoses with the radial recurrent a.
radial recurrent a= originating from radial a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood supply to
lateral side of the elbow and adjacent extensor muscles+ radial recurrent a. anastomoses with the
radial collateral a.; it courses in the groove between the brachioradialis m. and the brachialis m.
radialis indicis a= originating from radial a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to lateral
(radial) side of the index finger+ arteria radialis indicis is equivalent to a proper digital a.
radicular, anterior a= originating from they arise as multiple branches of several vessels (vertebral,
posterior intercostal, lumbar, and lateral sacral aa.)+they accompany the ventral rootlets to reach
the spinal cord+ blood supply to meninges; spinal cord; spinal nerve; ventral rootlets+anterior
radicular aa. anastomose with the anterior spinal a.
radicular, great anterior a= originating from the spinal br. of the lower posterior intercostal a.,
subcostal a., or upper lumbar a., usually on left+ having no named branches+ blood supply to lower
spinal cord+ great anterior radicular a. anastomoses with the anterior spinal a. at lower thoracic or
upper lumbar spinal cord levels
radicular, posterior a= originating from they arise as multiple branches of several vessels (vertebral,
posterior intercostal, lumbar, and lateral sacral aa.)+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
meninges; spinal cord; spinal nerve; dorsal rootlets+ posterior radicular aa. accompany the dorsal
rootlets; they anastomose with the posterior spinal aa.
rectal, inferior a= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
anus, ischioanal fossa+inferior rectal a. anastomoses with the middle rectal a. and the superior rectal
a.
rectal, middle a= originating from internal iliac, anterior division+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to middle portion of the rectum+ middle rectal a. anastomoses with the inferior rectal a and
the superior rectal a.
rectal, superior a= originating from inferior mesenteric a.+ having two unnamed branches+ blood
supply to superior part of the rectum+ superior rectal a. is the continuation of the inferior
mesenteric a. after the sigmoid brs. are given off; it anastomoses with the middle rectal a. and the
inferior rectal a.
recurrent, anterior tibial a=originating from anterior tibial a.+ having no named branches+ blood
recurrent, anterior ulnar a= originating from ulnar a.+ having unnamed muscular brs.+ blood supply
to medial side of elbow and proximal ends of forearm flexor mm.+anterior ulnar recurrent a. often
recurrent, interosseous a= originating from posterior interosseous a.+ having unnamed muscular
branches+ blood supply to anconeus m., elbow joint+ interosseous recurrent a. anastomoses with
the middle collateral a.
recurrent, posterior tibial a= originating from anterior tibial a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to posterior knee, popliteus m.+anastomoses with the other genicular aa. to participate in
recurrent, posterior ulnar a= originating from ulnar a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
recurrent, radial a= originating from radial a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood supply to
lateral side of the elbow and adjacent extensor muscles+ radial recurrent a. anastomoses with the
radial collateral a.; it courses in the groove between the brachioradialis m. and the brachialis m.
Renal a= originating from abdominal aorta at the level of the upper border of the L2 vertebra+
having branches of inferior suprarenal a., apical segmental a., anterior br: superior anterior
segmental a., middle anterior segmental a., inferior segmental a.; posterior br.: posterior segmental
a.+ blood supply to kidney, upper ureter, suprarenal gland+ the right renal a. is longer than the left
renal artery; the right renal artery passes posterior to the inferior vena cava
Retroduodenal a= originating from gastroduodenal a.+ having multiple unnamed brs.+ blood supply
to posterior portion of the 1st part of the duodenum+ retroduodenal aa. arise as multiple small brs.
right colic a= originating from superior mesenteric (or br. of)+ having ascending br., descending br.+
blood supply to ascending colon right colic a. anastomoses with the ileocolic a. and the middle colic
a. to form part of the marginal a.
right coronary a= originating from ascending aorta+having branches of sinuatrial nodal a., right
marginal a., posterior interventricular a., atrioventricular nodal a.+ blood supply to right ventricle,
right atrium, inferior 1/3 of the interventricular septum right coronary a. usually provides the
posterior interventricular a.; it courses within the coronary sulcus
right gastric a= originating from proper hepatic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
inferior part of the stomach near the lesser curvature+ right gastric a. anastomoses with the left
gastric a. on the lesser curvature of the stomach
right gastro-omental a= originating from gastroduodenal a.+ having gastric brs., omental brs.+ blood
supply to lower part of the pyloric region of the stomach, right part of greater curvature of the
stomach, greater omentum+ right gastro-omental a anastomoses with the left gastro-omental a.
near the greater curvature of the stomach; also known as: right gastroepiploic a.
right hepatic a= originating from proper hepatic a.+ having cystic a., segmental aa.+ blood supply to
right lobe of the liver, part of the caudate lobe of the liver+ right hepatic a. supplies the liver
parenchyma and stroma
sacral, lateral a= originating from internal iliac a., posterior division+ having spinal brs.+ blood supply
to sacrum, sacral nerve rootlets, meninges, adjacent muscles+there are usually 2 lateral sacral aa. on
each side, a superior one and an inferior one
sacral, median a= originating from abdominal aorta+ having branches of 5th lumbar aa.+ blood
supply to sacrum+ median sacral a. appears to be the continuation of the abdominal aorta in the
median plane, although it is much smaller in size
scapular, circumflex a= originating from subscapular a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to teres major m., teres minor m., infraspinatus m.+ circumflex scapular a. anastomoses with
the suprascapular a. and the dorsal scapular a. to form the scapular anastomosis
scapular, dorsal a= originating from subclavian a., 3rd part+ having unnamed muscular branches+
blood supply to levator scapulae m., rhomboideus major m., rhomboideus minor m.+ dorsal scapular
a. anastomoses with the suprascapular a. and the subscapular a. to form the scapular anastomosis;
dorsal scapular a is a branch of the transverse cervical a. in ~30% of cases
scrotal, posterior a= originating from perineal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
posterior aspect of the scrotum+ posterior scrotal a. passes superficial to the superficial transverse
perineus m.
septal, posterior a= originating from sphenopalatine a. (several small brs.)+ having no named
branches+ blood supply to posterior aspect of the nasal septum+ posterior septal a. supplies the
mucous membrane of the nasal septum
short gastric a= originating from splenic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to fundus and
upper part of the stomach near the greater curvature+ short gastric aa. reach the stomach by
passing through the gastrosplenic ligament; they are usually 4-5 in number
sigmoid a=originating from inferior mesenteric a.+ having ascending br., descending br.+ blood
supply sigmoid colon+ sigmoid aa. are 2-3 in number; they anastomose with the left colic a. to help
form the marginal a.
sinuatrial nodal a= originating from right coronary a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
sinuatrial node and the surrounding myocardium+sinuatrial nodal a. is an important artery to locate
during cardiac surgical procedures
sphenopalatine a= originating from maxillary a.+ having posterior lateral nasal brs., posterior septal
brs.+ blood supply to posterolateral nasal wall, posteroinferior nasal septum, hard palate behind the
maxillary incisor teeth+ sphenopalatine a. accompanies the nasopalatine n.
spinal, anterior a= originating from contributions received from several arteries (vertebral, posterior
intercostal, subcostal, lumbar, lateral sacral aa.) + pial arterial plexus+ blood supply to meninges;
spinal cord; medulla (dorsal motor nucleus of cranial nerve X, nucleus ambiguus, spinal accessory
nucleus and hypoglossal nucleus)+ the anterior spinal a. anastomoses with the anterior radicular brs.
of the spinal rami of the vertebral, posterior intercostal, subcostal, lumbar and lateral sacral aa.
spinal, posterior a= originating from contributions received from several arteries (posterior inferior
cerebellar, vertebral, posterior intercostal, subcostal, lumbar, lateral sacral aa.)+ pial arterial plexus+
blood supply to spinal cord, especially the dorsal columns; medulla (nucleus cuneatus and nucleus
gracilis) paired; posterior spinal aa. anastomose with the posterior radicular brs. of the spinal rami of
the vertebral, posterior intercostal, subcostal, lumbar and lateral sacral aa.
Splenic a= originating from celiac trunk dorsal pancreatic a.,+ having pancreatic brs., pancreatica
magna a., caudal pancreatic a., short gastric aa., left gastro-omental a., splenic brs.+ blood supply to
pancreas, spleen, greater curvature of the stomach+ splenic a. courses through the substance of the
pancreas near its superior border; splenic artery is very tortuous
Stylomastoid a= originating from posterior auricular a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
tympanic cavity, mastoid air cells+ stylomastoid br. of the posterior auricular a. passes through the
stylomastoid foramen in company with the facial n.
Subclavian a= originating from brachiocephalic a. (right), aortic arch (left)+ having branches of 1st
part: vertebral a., thyrocervical trunk, internal thoracic a.; 2nd part: costocervical trunk; 3rd part:
dorsal scapular a. (70%)+ blood supply to neck, brain, spinal cord, thyroid gland, larynx, shoulder,
chest muscles, upper limb+ subclavian a. is continuous with the axillary a., the name change occurs
at the lateral border of the first rib; anterior scalene muscle passes anterior to the subclavian a.,
dividing it into 3 parts
Subcostal a= originating from descending thoracic aorta + having spinal br., collateral br., lateral
cutaneous br.+ blood supply to vertebrae, spinal cord; muscles, skin & fascia of the upper abdominal
wall+ subcostal a. is equivalent to a posterior intercostal a., but is named subcostal because it
courses inferior to the 12th rib
Sublingual a= originating from lingual a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to mylohyoid m.,
sublingual gland, floor of the mouth+ sublingual a. is one of three branches of the lingual a. (see also:
dorsal lingual a., deep lingual a.)
Submental a= originating from facial a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to muscles, skin
and fascia under the chin; submandibular gland+ submental a. supplies the submandibular gland and
the mylohyoid m. in addition to the skin and superficial fascia
Subscapular a= originating from axillary a., 3rd part+ having circumflex scapular a., thoracodorsal a.+
blood supply to subscapularis m., teres major m., teres minor m., infraspinatus m.+ the circumflex
scapular branch of the subscapular a.anastomoses with the suprascapular a. and the dorsal scapular
a. in the scapular anastomosis
superficial epigastric a= originating from femoral a.+ having cutaneous brs.+ blood supply to
superficial fascia and skin of the lower abdominal wall+ superficial epigastric a. is one of three
superficial arteries that arise from the femoral a. (see also: superficial circumflex iliac a. and
superficial external pudendal a.)
superficial external pudendal a= originating from femoral a.+ having no named branches+ blood
superficial palmar arch= originating from ulnar a., superficial palmar br. of the radial a.+ having
branches of common palmar digital aa. (3)+ blood supply to superficial palm, palmar surface of the
digits excluding thumb, dorsum of the distal phalangeal segments of digits 2-5+ superficial palmar
superficial temporal a= originating from external carotid a.+ having branches of transverse facial a.;
anterior auricular brs.; zygomatico-orbital a.; middle temporal a.; frontal br.; parietal br.+ blood
supply to scalp of the lateral side of the head; lateral face; temporalis m.+ superficial temporal a. and
maxillary a. are the terminal branches of the external carotid a.
superior cerebellar a= originating from basilar a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to upper
cerebellum; trochlear nucleus+ there may be more than one superior cerebellar a. arising from the
basilar a. on each side
superior epigastric a= originating from internal thoracic a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to upper rectus abdominis m., upper abdominal wall+superior epigastric a. is the direct
continuation of the internal thoracic a.; it s anastomoses with the inferior epigastric a. within the
rectus abdominis m.
superior gluteal a= originating from internal iliac, posterior division+ having superficial br., deep br.+
blood supply to gluteus maximus m., gluteus medius m., gluteus minimus m., hip joint+ superior
gluteal a. participates in the formation of the cruciate anastomoses of the hip
superior labial a= originating from facial a.+ having septal br.+ blood supply to skin, muscles, fasciae
and mucosa of the upper lip, lower part of the anterior end of the nasal septum+ superior labial a.
supplies the orbicularis oris m. and the levator alibi superioris m.
superior laryngeal a= originating from superior thyroid a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to internal aspect of the superior larynx+ superior laryngeal a. penetrates the thyrohyoid membrane
in company with the internal br. of the superior laryngeal n.
superior lateral genicular a= originating from popliteal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to lateral aspect of knee+ superior lateral genicular a. anastomoses with the other genicular brs. of
anastomosis
superior medial genicular a= originating from popliteal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to medial aspect of knee+ superior medial genicular a. anastomoses with the other genicular brs. of
anastomosis
superior mesenteric a= originating from abdominal aorta at the level of the lower 1/3 of the L1
vertebral body+ having branches of inferior pancreaticoduodenal a., middle colic a., jejunal a., ileal
a., right colic a., ileocolic a.+ blood supply to inferior part of the head of the pancreas, distal
duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix, ascending colon, transverse colon+ superior
mesenteric a. supplies the midgut derivatives; brs. of the superior mesenteric a. participate in
formation of the marginal artery
superior pancreatic a= originating from splenic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
superior part of the body of the pancreas+ superior pancreatic aa. are multiple small brs. arising
from the splenic a.
superior phrenic a= originating from descending thoracic aorta (2 small brs.)+ having no named
branches+ blood supply diaphragm+ superior phrenic a. anastomoses with the musculophrenic a.
and the pericardiacophrenic a.
superior rectal a= originating from inferior mesenteric a.+ having two unnamed branches+ blood
supply to superior part of the rectum+ superior rectal a. is the continuation of the inferior
mesenteric a. after the sigmoid brs. are given off; it anastomoses with the middle rectal a. and the
inferior rectal a.
superior suprarenal a= originating from inferior phrenic a.+ having multiple small aa.+ blood supply
to superior aspect of the suprarenal gland+ superior suprarenal aa. are numerous small vessels that
enter the suprarenal gland independently
superior thoracic a= originating from axillary a.1st part+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to muscles of intercostal spaces 1 and 2+ superior thoracic a. anastomoses with the
intercostal aa. for intercostal spaces 1 and 2
superior thyroid a= originating from external carotid a.+ having infrahyoid br., sternocleidomastoid
br., superior laryngeal a., cricothyroid br., glandular brs.+ blood supply to thyroid gland, upper part
of the larynx, infrahyoid mm., sternocleidomastoid m. superior thyroid a. is usually the first branch
of the external carotid a.
superior ulnar collateral a= originating from brachial a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to medial arm muscles+ travels with the ulnar nerve; anastomoses with posterior ulnar
recurrent a.
superior vesical a= originating from umbilical a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
superior aspect of the bladder+ superior vesical aa.arise from the umbilical a. proximal to where its
lumen becomes obliterated
supraduodenal a= originating from gastroduodenal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
superior portion of the 1st part of the duodenum+ supraduodenal a. supplies branches to both the
anterior and posterior surfaces of the duodenum
supraorbital a= originating from ophthalmic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
muscles, skin and fascia of the forehead+ supraorbital a. accompanies the supraorbital n.
suprarenal, inferior a= originating from renal a.+ having numerous unnamed branches+ blood supply
to inferior aspect of the suprarenal gland+ inferior suprarenal a. may anastomose with the superior
suprarenal a.
suprarenal, middle a= originating from abdominal aorta+ having numerous unnamed branches+
blood supply to medial side of the suprarenal gland+ middle suprarenal a. anastomoses with the
superior suprarenal a. and the inferior suprarenal a.
suprarenal, superior a= originating from inferior phrenic a.+ having branches of multiple small aa.+
blood supply to superior aspect of the suprarenal gland+ superior suprarenal aa. are numerous small
vessels that enter the suprarenal gland independently
suprascapular a= originating from thyrocervical trunk+ having branches of muscular+ blood supply to
supraspinatus & infraspinatus, shoulder joint+anastomoses with the circumflex scapular a. and the
dorsal scapular a. to form the scapular anastomosis
supratrochlear a= originating from ophthalmic a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
muscles, skin and fascia of the medial forehead+ supratrochlear a. accompanies the supratrochlear
n.
Sural a= originating from popliteal a.+ having unnamed muscular aa.+ blood supply to gastrocnemius
m., soleus m., plantaris m.+ sural aa. are often confused with the inferior genicular aa. during
dissection
tarsal, lateral a=originating from dorsalis pedis a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to tarsal
bones and joints of the lateral foot+ lateral tarsal a. anastomoses with the arcuate a.
tarsal, medial a= originating from dorsalis pedis a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
tarsal bones and joints of the medial side of the foot+ medial tarsal aa. are 2-3 in number; they
anastomose with the medial malleolar aa.
temporal, anterior deep a= originating from maxillary a+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to anterior part of temporalis m. and surrounding deep tissues+ anterior deep temporal a. branches
in the infratemporal fossa and runs deep to temporalis m.
temporal, middle a= originating from superficial temporal a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to temporalis m+ middle temporal a. anastomoses with the posterior br. of the deep
temporal a.
temporal, posterior deep a= originating from maxillary a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply
to posterior part of the temporalis m.+ posterior deep temporal a. branches in the infratemporal
fossa and runs deep to temporalis m.
temporal, superficial a= originating from external carotid a.+ having branches of transverse facial a.;
anterior auricular brs.; zygomatico-orbital a.; middle temporal a.; frontal br.; parietal br+ blood
supply to scalp of the lateral side of the head; lateral face; temporalis m. +superficial temporal a. and
maxillary a. are the terminal branches of the external carotid a.
Testicular a= originating from abdominal aorta+ having ureteric brs.+ blood supply to testis,
epididymis, lower part of the ductus deferens, ureter near its midpoint+ testicular a. is one of the
contents of the spermatic cord; the origin of the testicular a. from the aorta at the L2 vertebral level
indicates the embryonic level of origin of the testis prior to its descent
thoracic, internal a= originating from subclavian a. (1st part)+ having branches of

pericardiocophrenic a., perforating brs., anterior intercostal aa., mediastinal brs., thymic brs.,
musculophrenic a., superior epigastric a.+ blood supply to mediastinum, anterior thoracic wall,
anterior abdominal wall, respiratory diaphragm+ internal thoracic a. is also known as: internal
mammary a.
thoracic, lateral a= originating feom axillary a., 2nd part+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to serratus anterior m., parts of adjacent muscles, skin and fascia of the anterolateral thoracic
wall+ lateral thoracic a. is a rare case in that it enters the serratus anterior from its superficial
surface
thoracic, superior a= originating from axillary a., 1st part+ having unnamed muscular branches+
blood.supply to muscles of intercostal spaces 1 and 2+ superior thoracic a. anastomoses with the
intercostal aa. for intercostal spaces 1 and 2
thoracoacromial a= originating from axillary a., 2nd part+ having pectoral br., clavicular br., acromial
br., deltoid br. pectoralis major m., pectoralis minor m., + blood supply to subclavius m., deltoid m.,
shoulder joint+ thoracoacromial trunk pierces the costocoracoid membrane
thoracodorsal a= originating from subscapular a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to latissimus dorsi m.+ thoracodorsal a. accompanies the thoracodorsal n.
thyrocervical trunk = originating from subclavian a., 1st part+ having branches of inferior thyroid a.,
transverse cervical a., suprascapular a.+ blood supply to lower neck, posterior shoulder, thyroid
gland+ thyrocervical trunk does not give rise to the ascending cervical a.- it is a branch of the inferior
thyroid a.
thyroid, inferior a= originating from thyrocervical trunk+ having branches of ascending cervical a.,
inferior laryngeal a., esophageal brs., tracheal brs., glandular brs.+ blood supply to thyroid gland,
lower larynx, upper trachea, upper esophagus, deep neck muscles+ inferior thyroid a. gives rise to
the ascending cervical a. as it arches medially
thyroid, superior a= originating from external carotid a.+ having infrahyoid br., sternocleidomastoid
br., superior laryngeal a., cricothyroid br., glandular brs+ blood supply to thyroid gland, upper part of
the larynx, infrahyoid mm., sternocleidomastoid m.+ superior thyroid a. is usually the first branch of
the external carotid a.
thyroidea ima = originating from brachiocephalic a. or aortic arch+ having no named branches+
blood supply to isthmus of the thyroid gland, upper trachea+ thyroidea ima a. is present in 10% of
individuals; it is clinically significant because it is a midline artery in the region of tracheostomy; ima
means "lowest"
tibial recurrent, anterior a= originating from anterior tibial a.+ having no named branches+ blood
tibial recurrent, posterior a= originating from anterior tibial a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to posterior knee, popliteus m.+ anastomoses with the other genicular aa. to participate in
tibial, anterior a= originating from popliteal a.+ having branchez of anterior tibial recurrent a.,
posterior tibial recurrent a., anterior malleolar a., medial malleolar a., lateral malleolar a., dorsalis
pedis a+ blood supply to anterior leg; dorsum of foot and deep foot+ anterior tibial a. becomes
continuous with the dorsalis pedis a.; the name change occurs at the level of the ankle joint
tibial, posterior popliteal a.= originating from fibular a. + having branches of (peroneal), circumflex
fibular a., nutrient a. of the tibia, communicating br., posterior medial malleolar brs., medial
calcaneal brs., lateral plantar a., medial plantar a.+ blood supply to posterior and lateral leg, plantar
aspect of the foot+ posterior tibial a. is the direct continuation of the popliteal a. the name change
occurs at the inferior border of the popliteus m. where the popliteal a. bifurcates; the tibial a.
bifurcates on the medial side of the foot to give rise to the medial plantar a. and lateral plantar a.
transverse cervical a= originating from thyrocervical trunk+ having unnamed muscular branches,
possibly the dorsal scapular a.+ blood supply to trapezius muscle and surrounding tissues+transverse
cervical a. gives rise to the dorsal scapular a. ~30% of the time
transverse facial a= originating from superficial temporal a.+ having no named branches+ blood
supply to parotid gland, masseter m., facial+ blood supply to muscles and skin+ transverse facial a.
anastomoses with branches of the buccal, infraorbital and facial aa.
trunk, brachiocephalic = originating from aortic arch+ having branches of right common carotid a.,
right subclavian a.+ blood supply to right side of the head and neck; right upper limb and right side
of the chest wall+ there is only one brachiocephalic trunk
trunk, celiac a= originating from abdominal aorta at the level of the T12-L1 intervertebral disc+
having branches of left gastric a., splenic a., common hepatic a.+ blood supply to stomach, lower
esophagus, liver, upper duodenum, pancreas, spleen+ celiac trunk supplies the foregut derivatives
trunk, costocervical= originating from subclavian a., 2nd part+ having branches of deep cervical a.,
highest intercostal a.+ blood supply to deep muscles of the posterior neck; posterior ends of the first
2 intercostal spaces+ costocervical trunk is located between the anterior scalene m. and the middle
scalene m.; it arches posteriorly over the cervical parietal pleura
trunk, pulmonary= originating from right ventricle+ having branches of right pulmonary a., left
pulmonary aa+ blood supply to lungs+ the pulmonary trunk carries deoxygenated blood from the
heart to the right and left pulmonary aa.; each pulmonary a. carries deoxygenated blood to the
hilum of one lung; bronchial aa. supply oxygenated blood to the tissues of the lung as far distally in
the bronchial tree as the respiratory bronchioles
tympanic, anterior a= originating from maxillary a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
middle ear+ anterior tympanic a. passes through the petrotympanic fissure along with the chorda
tympani n.
trunk, thyrocervical= originating from subclavian a., 1st part+ having branches of inferior thyroid a.,
transverse cervical a., suprascapular a.+ blood supply to lower neck, posterior shoulder, thyroid
gland+ thyrocervical trunk does not give rise to the ascending cervical a.- it is a branch of the inferior
thyroid a.
Ulnar a= originating from brachial a.+ having branches of anterior ulnar recurrent a., posterior ulnar
recurrent a., common interosseous a., palmar carpal br., dorsal carpal br., deep palmar br.,
superficial palmar arterial arch+ blood supply to medial side of the anterior forearm, posterior
forearm, superficial palm, fingers+ ulnar a. supplies the majority of blood to the superficial palmar
arterial arch; it normally arises at the level of the elbow, but high branching of the brachial a. may
cause the ulnar a. to arise as far proximally as the axilla
ulnar collateral, inferior= originating from brachial a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to lower medial arm+ anastomoses with the anterior ulnar recurrent a.
ulnar collateral, superior= originating from brachial a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
supply to medial arm muscles+travels with the ulnar nerve; anastomoses with posterior ulnar
recurrent a.
ulnar recurrent, anterior= originating from ulnar a.+ having unnamed muscular brs.+ blood supply to
medial side of elbow and proximal ends of forearm flexor mm.+ anterior ulnar recurrent a. often
ulnar recurrent, posterior= originating from ulnar a.+ having unnamed muscular branches+ blood
Umbilical= originating frominternal iliac a., anterior division+ having branches of superior vesical aa.,
a. of the ductus deferens+ blood supply to superior part of the bladder; ductus deferens distal to the
branches described at left, + the lumen of the umbilical a. becomes obliterated after birth and the
remnant of the vessel becomes the medial umbilical ligament
Urethral= originating from internal pudendal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to penile
urethra urethral a.+ branches off of the internal pudendal a. within the deep perineal space
uterine = originating from internal iliac a., anterior division+ having tubal br., vaginal br.+ blood
supply to uterus, uterine tube+ uterine a. anastomoses with the ovarian a. and the vaginal a.; it
passes superior to the ureter in the pelvis; remember the saying "water under the bridge"
Vaginal a= originating from internal iliac a., anterior division; occasionally it arises from uterine a.+
having numerous unnamed branches+ blood supply to vagina+ anastomoses with the uterine a.;
participates in the formation of the azygos arteries along the lateral surface of the vagina
Vertebral a= originating from subclavian a.(1st part)+ having spinal brs., muscular brs., anterior
spinal a., posterior inferior cerebellar a., medullary brs., meningeal brs., basilar a.+ blood supply to
deep neck, cervical spinal cord, spinal cord; medulla (dorsal motor nucleus of cranial nerve X,
nucleus ambiguus, spinal accessory nucleus and hypoglossal nucleus)+ vertebral a. anastomoses with
the internal carotid a. in the cerebral arterial circle (of Willis); it courses through the transverse
foramina of vertebrae C1-C6
vesical, inferior a= originating from internal iliac a., anterior division or it may arise from the middle
rectal a.+ having no named branches+ blood supply to lower part of the urinary bladder,+
prostate/vagina inferior vesical a. anastomoses with the middle rectal a.
vesical, superior a= originating from umbilical a+ having no named branches+ blood supply to
superior aspect of the bladder+ superior vesical aa.arise from the umbilical a. proximal to where its
lumen becomes obliterated
vestibule, bulb of= originating from internal pudendal a+having no named branches+ blood supply to
bulb of the vestibule and associated tissues+ artery of the bulb of the vestibule courses within the
deep perineal space to enter the deep surface of the bulb

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Gross Anatomy

Arteries of the Body - Arranged Alphabetically

anterior communicating= originating from anterior cerebral a.+ having perforating aa as a

anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal= originating from inferior pancreaticoduodenal a.+ having

anterior intercostal= originating from internal thoracic a. (upper 6 intercostal spaces),

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

inferior pancreaticoduodenal a= originating from superior mesenteric a. + having branches of

intercostal, anterior a= originating from internal thoracic a. (upper 6 intercostal spaces),

interosseous, posterior a= originating from common interosseous a.+ having branches of

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

pancreaticoduodenal, anterior inferior a= originating from inferior pancreaticoduodenal a.+ having

pancreaticoduodenal, anterior superior a= originating from gastroduodenal a.+ having pancreatic

pancreaticoduodenal, posterior inferior a= originating from inferior pancreaticoduodenal a.+ having

pancreaticoduodenal, posterior superior a= originating from gastroduodenal a.+ having pancreatic

posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal a= originating from inferior pancreaticoduodenal a.+ having

posterior interosseous a= originating from common interosseous a.+ having branches of

posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal a= originating from gastroduodenal a.+ having pancreatic

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

thoracic, internal a= originating from subclavian a. (1st part)+ having branches of

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

Artery Source Branches Supply to Notes

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