Cardiovascular Lab 2
In this lab you will learn about the circulatory system.
Begin by clicking on the following:
Anterior Cardiovascular System
Observe the aorta above the base of the heart. Notice there are 3 branches. Locate these branches:
Brachiocephalic trunk
Common carotid artery left
Subclavian artery left
Notice the asymmetry of the branches. On the right side the brachiocephalic trunk splits into the common carotid artery right and the subclavian artery right. On the left there is no brachiocephalic trunk as the 2 branches come directly off the aorta.
Follow the right subclavian artery. It is called the subclavian because it is deep to the clavicle. Once it emerges laterally from the clavicle it becomes the axillary artery.
Click on the following to move the image laterally:
Cardiovascular system lateral image
Follow the axillary artery laterally. Notice how it becomes the brachial artery. Follow the brachial artery and observe how it spits into the radial and ulnar arteries.
Reorient the image by clicking on the following:
Anterior Cardiovascular System
This time begin by observing the brachiocephalic trunk. Follow the trunk superiorly to the common carotid artery right.
Rotate the image 45 degrees to the right. Follow the common carotid artery superior and notice how it divides into the internal carotid artery right and external carotid artery right. The internal carotid enters the skull and provides blood to the brain. The external carotid remains outside of the skull.
Locate the vertebral artery right. This artery travels superiorly through the transverse foramen of the vertebra in the cervical spine. It then enters the skull and becomes part of an extensive network of vessels called the Circle of Willis at the base of the brain.
Reorient the image by clicking on:
Anterior Cardiovascular System
Locate the thoracic aorta. Follow it inferior. Notice how it becomes the abdominal aorta. It does so when it passes inferior to the diaphragm. Follow the abdominal aorta inferior. Notice how it divides into right and left common iliac arteries.
Notice how the common iliacs divide into internal and external iliac arteries.
Reorient the image by clicking on:
Follow the external iliac inferior. Notice how it becomes the femoral artery. It does so after passing inferior to the inguinal ligament.
Follow the femoral artery inferior. Notice how it becomes the popliteal artery. The femoral artery is located in the medial aspect of the leg. It then traverses a more posterior route by piercing the adductor longus muscle. When it does it becomes the popliteal which is behind the knee. You can feel the pulse at the popliteal artery behind the knee.
Follow the popliteal artery inferior. Observe how it divides into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.
Reorient the image by clicking on:
Cardiovascular system abdominal region
Notice the extensive vasculature in the intestinal region. The intestines absorb food and need a pathway for digested carbohydrates and proteins. You will learn later that digested fats travel back into circulation by way of the lymphatic system.