L4.5.2: Gross Anatomy

• GROSS ANATOMY

  ● Major arteries of systemic circulation

  ○ Aorta

  ■ Ascending Aorta

  ■ Aortic Arch

  ■ Thoracic Aorta

  ■ Abdominal Aorta
• GROSS ANATOMY

  ● Major veins of systemic circulation

  ○ Superior Vena Cava (SVC)

  ○ Inferior Vena Cava (IVC)
• ○ Aorta

  ■ Largest artery in the body

  ■ Leaves from the left ventricle of the heart

  ■ About the size of a garden hose in adults
• ○ Regions of the Aorta

  ■ Ascending Aorta — leaves the left ventricle

  ■ Aortic Arch — arches to the left

  ■ Thoracic Aorta — travels downward through the thorax

  ■ Abdominal Aorta — passes through the diaphragm into the abdominopelvic cavity
• ○ Superior Vena Cava (SVC)

  ■ Enters the right atrium of the heart

  ■ Drains the head and arms
• ○ Inferior Vena Cava (IVC)

  ■ Enters the right atrium of the heart

  ■ Drains the lower body