Description
The major arteries include the ascending, arch of aorta, descending thoracic, and abdominal aorta, brachiocephalic trunk, common carotid and subclavian arteries. The aorta pumps oxygenated blood from the left ventricle around the entire body. After it leaves the left ventricle it enters the ascending aorta, the arch of aorta, then the descending aorta. The ascending aorta gives off the coronary arteries which supply the heart; the aortic arch gives off the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid and left subclavian arteries. These arteries supply the head and neck as well as the upper limbs. The descending aorta supplies the majority of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs.
