Cat Arteries - Functions

Ascending Aorta

Branches off the left ventricle; carries oxygen rich blood to parts of the body above the heart - supplies the aortic arch

Celiac Trunk

Large unpaired branch of the abdominal aorta that supplies the liver, stomach, and spleen. (hepatic artery, gastric artery, splenic artery)

Aorta

Largest artery in the body, leaves the left ventricle and branches out to supply oxygenated blood to the entire body

Descending Thoracic Aorta

Supplies blood to the wall of the thoracic cavity and turns into the descending abdominal aorta

Brachiocephalic Artery

The first major branch off of the aorta and the major artery to the front of the arms, shoulders and head

Femoral Artery

The principal artery of the thigh, a continuation of the external iliac artery. It supplies blood to the lower abdominal wall, external genitalia, and legs. It can be palpated in the groin area.

Renal Arteries

The two branches of the abdominal aorta that supply the kidneys

Descending Abdominal Aorta

after the descending thoracic aorta passes through the diaphragm - supplies blood for the entire abdominopelvic cavity

Right Subclavian Artery

branched off of the brachiocephalic; courses beneath clavicle towards armpit to become axillary artery; brachial artery; ulnar and radial arteries

Saphenous Artery

found on medial surface of the back leg, extends from the femoral artery beyond the thigh - branches off into popliteal artery; anterior and posterior tibial arter

External Iliac Artery

supplies hind legs and the urinary bladder

Superior Mesentric Artery

supplies the intestine from the lower part of the duodenum through two thirds of the transverse colon, as well as the pancreas

Internal Iliac Artery

supplies the urinary bladder, urethra, rectum, and gluteal muscles

Left and Right Common Carotid Arteries

supply most of the blood to the head and neck (external-scalp and internals-face and brain)

Subclavian Artery

the second branch off the aortic arch, similar to the right, proceeds to the left forelimb as the left axillary; left brachial; left radial and ulnar arteries