Hovedarter

Hovedarter, or hovedarterier, is a term used in anatomy to refer to the major arteries that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues. The arterial system begins with the aorta, the largest artery that exits the left ventricle. From the aorta, major branches supply the head, arms, abdomen, and legs. In the thoracic region, the aortic arch gives rise to the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery, which distribute blood to the head, neck, and upper limbs.

In the abdominal portion, the aorta divides into branches such as the celiac trunk, the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, renal arteries, and other visceral branches, continuing as the common iliac arteries to feed the pelvis and legs. The main arteries of the head and neck include the carotid arteries, which split into internal and external branches to supply the brain and face. The coronary arteries, which originate near the base of the aorta, supply the heart muscle itself.

Hovedarterier have thick, muscular walls and, in the larger elastic arteries like the aorta, a high content of elastic tissue to absorb the pulse of the heartbeat. They form part of the systemic circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients and facilitating the removal of waste through the capillary networks.

Clinically, disease of hovedarterier, such as atherosclerosis, aneurysms, or occlusions, can impair blood flow to organs and limbs, leading to conditions like stroke, heart attack, or peripheral ischemia. Diagnosis often involves imaging studies, and treatment depends on the affected vascular territory and the underlying cause.