systemsarterial

The term systemsarterial is not a standard clinical term. It most likely refers to the systemic arterial system, the network of arteries that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the tissues of the body as part of systemic circulation.

Anatomy and structure

The systemic arterial system begins with the aorta, including the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta, giving rise to major branches such as the coronary arteries, carotid arteries, subclavian arteries, celiac trunk, mesenteric arteries, renal arteries, iliac arteries, and others. Arteries range from large elastic arteries to smaller muscular arteries and arterioles. The arterial walls have three layers: tunica intima, tunica media rich in smooth muscle, and tunica adventitia, with the media contributing to elasticity and vascular tone.

Function and physiology

The systemic arteries distribute oxygenated blood to body tissues, help maintain mean arterial pressure, and act as a pressure reservoir due to their elastic properties. Systolic pressure is generated by the heart and moderated by arterial compliance; arterioles provide resistance to regulate blood flow and distribution to tissues according to demand.

Regulation and clinical relevance

Blood flow is controlled by autonomic nervous input, endothelial signals, and local metabolic needs. Baroreceptors and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system help regulate systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. Pathology affecting the systemic arterial system includes hypertension, atherosclerosis, aneurysm formation, and peripheral artery disease.

Diagnosis and management

Diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurement and imaging (ultrasound, CT angiography) to assess arterial health and flow. Management emphasizes lifestyle modification, antihypertensive medications, lipid-lowering therapies where appropriate, and, in some cases, interventional or surgical procedures to restore or preserve arterial function.