Heart Anatomy: Major Vessels and Their Functions
Great Vessels and Coronary Circulation
| Vessel | Function | Blood Type |
|---|---|---|
| Aorta | Carries oxygenated blood from left ventricle to systemic circulation | Oxygenated |
| Pulmonary Trunk / Arteries | Carries deoxygenated blood from right ventricle to lungs | Deoxygenated |
| Pulmonary Veins (4) | Returns oxygenated blood from lungs to left atrium | Oxygenated |
| Superior Vena Cava | Returns deoxygenated blood from upper body to right atrium | Deoxygenated |
| Inferior Vena Cava | Returns deoxygenated blood from lower body to right atrium | Deoxygenated |
| Coronary Arteries (RCA, LAD, LCx) | Supply oxygenated blood to heart muscle | Oxygenated |
| Coronary Sinus / Cardiac Veins | Drain deoxygenated blood from myocardium to right atrium | Deoxygenated |
Capillaries
Microscopic exchange vessels connecting arterioles to venules—site of O₂/CO₂, nutrient, and waste exchange with tissues.
Clinical Relevance
- Coronary artery disease → ischemia/infarction.
- Pulmonary embolism → obstructs pulmonary arteries.
- SVC syndrome → obstruction of superior vena cava.
- IVC filter placement → prevents PE.
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