Show Examples of Where Major Arteries and Veins Are Located

Arteries are typically found deep within the body, while veins can be either deep (running alongside arteries) or superficial (near the skin).

Examples of Major Arteries:

• Aorta: The largest artery. It exits the heart, arches over the chest (Aortic Arch), and descends through the abdomen (Abdominal Aorta).
• Carotid Artery: Found on either side of the neck. It supplies blood to the head and brain (you can feel its pulse here).
• Brachial Artery: Runs down the inside of the upper arm. This is the artery listened to when taking blood pressure.
• Radial Artery: Runs along the thumb side of the wrist. This is the most common site for checking a pulse.
• Femoral Artery: A large artery in the groin/upper thigh that supplies blood to the leg.

Examples of Major Veins:

• Superior and Inferior Vena Cava: The two largest veins in the body. They collect all oxygen-poor blood and return it directly to the heart's right atrium.
• Jugular Vein: Runs alongside the carotid artery in the neck, draining blood from the head.
• Cephalic and Basilic Veins: Large, superficial veins in the arm. They are highly visible and are the most common sites for drawing blood or placing an IV.
• Femoral Vein: Runs deep in the thigh, parallel to the femoral artery.
• Great Saphenous Vein: A very long superficial vein running from the foot up the inside of the leg to the groin.