slagæðum

Slagæðar, or arteries, are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. In the systemic circulation they transport oxygen-rich blood to tissues; in the pulmonary circulation the pulmonary arteries carry oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs. They are a core component of the circulatory system, working alongside veins and capillaries to maintain tissue perfusion.

Arterial walls are thicker and more muscular than those of veins, designed to withstand the high pressure generated by the heart. They are organized into three layers: an inner lining of endothelial cells, a middle muscular layer that can contract or relax to regulate blood flow, and an outer connective tissue layer that provides structural support. Elastic arteries near the heart (such as the aorta) contain many elastic fibers that help absorb pressure waves, while muscular arteries further from the heart distribute blood to specific organs. Arterioles, the smallest arteries, regulate flow into capillary beds through smooth muscle tone.

The primary functions of slagæðar include maintaining systemic blood pressure, dampening the pulsatile output of the heart, and directing blood flow to areas with the greatest metabolic need. They also contribute to thermoregulation and overall vascular resistance through autonomic control of smooth muscle.

Clinical relevance: Arterial disease can reduce or obstruct blood flow. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques inside arterial walls, can narrow or block arteries and lead to heart attack or stroke. Other conditions include aneurysms and peripheral artery disease. Risk factors include smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Diagnostic tools include Doppler ultrasound, angiography, and MRI; treatments range from lifestyle changes and medications to procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery.