Last Updated on November 25, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir

Find where your arteries are located and learn about their functions in the circulatory system.

Knowing about where are your arteries located in your body is key to keeping your heart healthy. Arteries are important blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to our body’s tissues. At Liv Hospital, we focus on the latest health care methods and team work to offer top-notch health services.

The seven major arteries – aorta, carotid, subclavian, brachial, radial, femoral, and renal arteries – are essential for delivering oxygenated blood to different parts of our body. By learning about an arterial system diagram or artery labeled diagram, you can grasp how these arteries work and their role in your health.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the major arteries is key for heart health.
• The seven major arteries supply oxygenated blood to various body parts.
• Liv Hospital offers advanced preventive and curative health services.
• Familiarizing yourself with an artery labeled diagram can enhance your understanding of arterial health.
• Maintaining arterial health is vital for overall wellbeing.

Understanding the Arterial System

It’s key to know about the arterial system to grasp how our bodies keep blood flowing and stay healthy. This system is a network of blood vessels. It carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to our body’s tissues.

What Are Arteries and Their Function

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. They handle the high blood pressure from the heart. This is vital for keeping blood flowing.

Arteries differ from veins and capillaries in structure and function. Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Capillaries are tiny vessels where oxygen, nutrients, and waste are exchanged between blood and tissues.

How Arteries Differ from Veins and Capillaries

The walls of arteries have three layers: the tunica intima (innermost), the tunica media (middle), and the tunica externa (outermost). The tunica media is the thickest layer. It has smooth muscle and elastic fibers. These allow arteries to change size, controlling blood pressure and flow.

The Structure of Arterial Walls

The cross-section of an artery shows its thick walls, built to handle high blood pressure. The arterial wall has the three layers mentioned, with the tunica media key for adjusting to blood pressure changes.

The Aorta: The Body’s Main Highway

The aorta is the main blood path, starting from the heart and going down to the belly. It’s the biggest artery and is key for sending oxygen-rich blood to the body’s parts.

Anatomy and Location of the Aorta

The aorta starts from the left ventricle of the heart, at the aortic orifice. It first goes up as the ascending aorta, then curves back and to the left, forming the aortic arch. It then keeps going as the descending aorta, through the chest and belly.

The aorta has different parts:

• The ascending aorta
• The aortic arch
• The descending thoracic aorta
• The abdominal aorta

Each part has branches that supply blood to different body areas.

The Aortic Arch and Its Branches

The aortic arch, or arch of the aorta, is a part of the ascending aorta. It has three main arteries:

1. The brachiocephalic trunk
2. The left common carotid artery
3. The left subclavian artery

These arteries are important for blood to the head, neck, and arms.

Knowing the labelled diagram of artery structures, like the aorta and its branches, is key for doctors and students. It helps them see how blood flows and find where problems might be.

Common Aortic Conditions and Their Symptoms

The aorta can face several issues, such as:

• Aortic aneurysm: A bulge in the aorta that can burst if not treated.
• Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in the aortic walls, causing it to harden and narrow.
• Aortic dissection: A tear in the aorta’s inner layer, letting blood flow between its layers.

Symptoms include chest pain, back pain, and trouble breathing. Finding and treating these problems early is very important.

A diagram of artery is very helpful in showing these issues and helping patients understand their health.

Carotid Arteries: Supplying Your Brain

The carotid arteries are two major blood vessels in the neck. They are key to supplying oxygenated blood to the brain. We need these arteries for our brain’s function. Knowing their importance is vital for our health.

Where to Find Your Carotid Arteries

The carotid arteries are on either side of the neck. To find them, place your index and middle fingers on your neck’s side. Gently press until you feel a pulse. The carotid arteries are important for checking pulse, like in emergencies.

The Importance of Carotid Blood Flow

The carotid arteries are vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Any blockage can cause serious health problems, like stroke. Keeping carotid blood flow healthy is key to preventing these issues.

“The carotid arteries are a critical component of the cerebral circulation, and their disease is a major risk factor for stroke.” – American Heart Association

Carotid Pulse: How to Check It

To check the carotid pulse, gently press the artery against the neck vertebrae. Here’s how to do it:

• Place your index and middle fingers on the side of your neck.
• Gently press until you feel the pulse.
• Count the number of beats per minute to determine your heart rate.

Subclavian Arteries: Pathway to the Upper Limbs

The subclavian arteries are key in supplying blood to the upper limbs. Knowing their anatomy is vital for diagnosing and treating vascular conditions.

Location and Anatomical Course

The subclavian arteries are major arteries in the body. They start from the aortic arch. The left subclavian artery comes straight from the aortic arch. The right one branches off from the brachiocephalic trunk.

These arteries then pass through the thoracic outlet.

Major Branches of the Subclavian Arteries

The subclavian arteries have several important branches. These branches supply blood to different parts of the upper body. They include the vertebral artery, internal thoracic artery, thyrocervical trunk, and costocervical trunk.

Clinical Significance in Upper Body Circulation

The subclavian arteries are vital for blood flow to the upper limbs. Problems with these arteries can cause serious health issues.

“Understanding the anatomy and clinical significance of the subclavian arteries is vital for healthcare professionals.”

Brachial Arteries: The Upper Arm Lifeline

The brachial artery is a key blood vessel in the upper arm. It supplies oxygenated blood to the forearm and hand. It starts from the subclavian artery and splits into the radial and ulnar arteries near the elbow.

Tracing the Path of the Brachial Artery

The brachial artery begins at the subclavian artery and goes down the arm. It supplies blood to muscles and tissues. Its path is important for doctors, like during blood pressure checks or surgeries.

Blood Pressure Measurement and the Brachial Artery

The brachial artery is often used to measure blood pressure. A cuff is placed around the arm to compress the artery. Doctors listen with a stethoscope to hear blood flow sounds, which help measure blood pressure.

“The brachial artery’s superficial location and relatively large size make it an ideal site for blood pressure measurement.”

Common Brachial Artery Injuries

The brachial artery can get injured, which is rare but serious. Injuries can cause bleeding or blockages, affecting blood flow. Quick medical help is needed to avoid lasting damage.

In summary, the brachial artery is vital for the upper limb’s blood supply and health checks. Knowing its anatomy and function is key for medical care and keeping blood vessels healthy.

Radial Arteries: The Pulse Point

The radial artery is a key blood vessel in the forearm. It supplies oxygen-rich blood to the hand and wrist. It’s a branch of the brachial artery and is easy to find, making it great for checking the pulse.

Finding Your Radial Pulse

To find the radial pulse, put your index and middle fingers on the wrist, just below the thumb. This pulse is important for checking heart rate and rhythm.

The Radial Artery’s Path Through the Forearm

The radial artery starts near the elbow from the brachial artery. It then goes down the forearm, next to the radius bone, to the wrist. Knowing its path is key for doctors.

Medical Significance

The radial artery is used in many medical procedures. This includes checking blood pressure and for heart surgeries. Its easy access makes it a top choice for some medical treatments.

Femoral Arteries: Powering Your Lower Limbs

The femoral arteries are key in bringing blood to our lower limbs. They are part of the arterial system. Knowing about them helps us keep our legs healthy.

Locating the Femoral Artery in the Thigh

The femoral artery starts from the external iliac artery and goes down the thigh. It’s in the femoral triangle, an area in the front of the thigh. You can find it by feeling just below the inguinal ligament, halfway between the pubic symphysis and the anterior superior iliac spine.

Major Branches and Areas Supplied

The femoral artery has several important branches. These branches help supply blood to different parts of the lower limb. Some of these branches include:

• The superficial circumflex iliac artery, which supplies the superficial tissue around the inguinal region.
• The superficial epigastric artery, which supplies the abdominal wall.
• The superficial external pudendal artery, which supplies the external genitalia.
• The deep external pudendal artery, which also contributes to the blood supply of the external genitalia.
• The profunda femoris artery (deep artery of the thigh), which is a significant branch that supplies the thigh muscles.

These branches are vital for the blood flow and health of our lower limbs.

Femoral Artery in Medical Procedures

The femoral artery is often used in medical procedures because it’s easy to access. It’s commonly used for:

• Angiography: to see the arterial system and find vascular diseases.
• Cardiac catheterization: to diagnose and treat heart issues.
• Peripheral artery interventions: to fix blockages or narrowings in the lower limb arteries.

Healthcare professionals need to know about the femoral artery’s anatomy and function. This knowledge helps them do these procedures well and safely.

Renal Arteries: Kidney’s Blood Supply

The renal arteries are key for bringing blood to the kidneys. They split off from the abdominal aorta. This ensures the kidneys get the oxygen they need to work right.

Origin and Path to the Kidneys

The renal arteries start from the sides of the abdominal aorta. They move laterally towards the kidneys. They enter through the hilum, where they split into smaller arteries.

Function in Kidney Filtration

The main job of the renal arteries is to bring oxygen-rich blood to the kidneys. This blood is vital for the kidneys to filter out waste and keep the body healthy.

Renal Artery Stenosis and Kidney Health

Renal artery stenosis is when the renal arteries narrow. This can cause high blood pressure and harm the kidneys. It’s important to know about this to keep the kidneys healthy.

Where Are Your Arteries: A Complete Body Map

Knowing where your arteries are is key to keeping your heart healthy. We’ll look at the main arteries, where they are, and how to find pulse points. This guide will help you keep your arteries in top shape.

Visual Guide to Arterial Locations

Let’s take a closer look at a diagram of the major arteries in the body.

The diagram shows the aorta, carotid arteries, subclavian arteries, brachial arteries, radial arteries, femoral arteries, and renal arteries. These arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to different parts of the body.

Knowing where these arteries are can help spot health problems early. For example, the carotid arteries feed the brain, and the femoral arteries supply the legs.

How to Identify Arterial Pulse Points

Finding pulse points is important for checking your heart health. Pulse points are areas where arteries are close to the skin, making it easy to feel your pulse.

Common pulse points include:

• The radial pulse, located on the wrist
• The carotid pulse, found on the neck
• The femoral pulse, located in the groin area

To check your pulse, place your index and middle fingers on the pulse point and gently press until you feel it. Counting the beats per minute can tell you about your heart rate and rhythm.

Protecting Vulnerable Arterial Areas

Some arterial areas are more at risk for injury or disease. Knowing these areas can help you take steps to prevent problems.

By knowing where your arteries are and protecting vulnerable areas, you can keep your heart healthy. This reduces the risk of serious health problems.

Conclusion: Maintaining Arterial Health

Keeping our major arteries healthy is key for good heart health. Knowing where and how these blood vessels work is the first step. This helps prevent heart diseases.

At Liv Hospital, we offer top-notch healthcare, including the latest tests and treatments for artery issues. By focusing on artery health, people can lower their heart disease risk. This improves their life quality greatly.

Good artery health comes from a healthy lifestyle, regular health checks, and timely medical care. Our team is ready to help you reach the best heart health. We create care plans just for you.

Working together, we can make a healthier future. Liv Hospital is here to help you, providing all the care you need for your heart health.

FAQ

References:

• Mercadante, A. A. (2023). Anatomy, Arteries. StatPearls.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547743/
• Tucker, W. D. (2023). Anatomy, Blood Vessels. StatPearls.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470401/