Valtimoita

Valtimoita are blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart. In the systemic circulation they usually carry oxygenated blood, while the pulmonary arteries are an exception, carrying deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Arteries have thick, muscular walls built to withstand high pressure. They consist of three layers: the tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia. The tunica media is particularly prominent in arteries and contains smooth muscle and, in elastic arteries, a high content of elastic fibers. This elasticity allows arteries to stretch during systole and recoil during diastole, helping to maintain steady blood flow and blood pressure.

Function and distribution: Arteries branch into progressively smaller arterioles, which feed capillary beds where gas and nutrient exchange occurs. The systemic arterial system includes the aorta and its major branches—such as the carotid, subclavian, renal, mesenteric, iliac, and femoral arteries—supplying the brain, heart, kidneys, abdominal organs, and limbs. The coronary arteries supply the heart muscle, and cerebral arteries supply the brain.

Clinical relevance: Arterial disease can impair perfusion and organ function. Atherosclerosis narrows the lumen and raises the risk of ischemia, while aneurysms involve weakening of the arterial wall and potential rupture. Arterial stiffness, hypertension, and peripheral arterial disease are common conditions that affect arterial health. Knowledge of arterial anatomy is essential for diagnostic imaging, catheter-based procedures, and surgical planning.