How Many Arteries are Present in a Human Body

How Many Arteries are Present in a Human Body

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 19, 2023 05:22 PM IST

Introduction

The human body contains about 20 major arteries. Throughout the physical body's cells, tissues, and organs, arteries, which are blood vessels, transport oxygenated blood from the gut. They are essential for supplying your body with nutrients, hormones, and oxygen. By supplying the nutrients your cells and tissues require, arteries keep your body alive and healthy. Remove blood that is oxygen-rich from your heart and give it to your entire body. Possess thick, musculoskeletal walls that can withstand the tumultuous blood your heart pumps out with each beat. Don't need valves because your heart's pumping action ensures that the blood only flows in one direction.

Types of arteries

There are two different kinds of arteries, and they serve slightly different purposes. Both play a part in delivering blood that is oxygen-rich from your heart to your body's tissues.

  1. Elastic - It is similar to how a football player receives the ball and deflects the force of the throw. This kind receives blood from the heart before transferring it to other arteries. These are situated close to your heart and have more elastic tissue than muscular arteries. Aorta and pulmonary artery are two examples.

  2. Muscular - It is comparable to when players carry the ball down the field to the desired location. This is your blood travelling to the tissues in your body. These have arteries that are more smooth muscle than elastic. Femoral, radial and brachial arteries are some examples.

Common conditions and disorders that affect arteries

  • Atherosclerosis.

  • Aneurysm.

  • Clot of blood.

  • Coronary artery disease.

  • Carotid artery illness (atherosclerosis in your carotid artery).

  • High blood pressure.

  • High cholesterol.

  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD).

  • Vasculitis.

Common symptoms of artery conditions

  • Heart attack.

  • Stroke.

  • Chest pain.

  • Belly pain.

  • Shortness of breath.

  • Tiredness.

  • Pain in your legs and arms.

Common treatments for arteries

  • Medication to lower blood pressure or cholesterol.

  • Clotting agents.

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids.

  • Angioplasty.

  • Grafting a coronary artery.

  • Bypass surgery for other obstructed arteries.

  • Endarterectomy of the carotid.

Conclusion

The body's main arteries can be found everywhere. The arteries branch out from the aorta and run throughout the body. The neck, head, arms, abdomen, hips, legs, and feet are all affected by these arteries.

Get answers from students and experts
Back to top