Define artery
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Summary
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These studies suggest arteries are blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart, with complex structures and functions influenced by genetic, mechanical, and biochemical factors.
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Definition and Characteristics of Arteries
Artery Definition and Function
An artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to various parts of the body. Arteries are a crucial component of the circulatory system, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues and organs. They are characterized by their thick, elastic walls which help them withstand and regulate the high pressure of blood pumped from the heart .
Arterial Structure and Mechanical Properties
Elasticity and Viscosity
Arteries possess unique mechanical properties that allow them to function effectively under physiological conditions. These properties can be described by a linear, first-order differential equation, with coefficients defined as the moduli of elasticity and viscosity. The strain experienced by arteries due to pulse pressure variations is typically small, between 1% and 4% change in circumference, and does not usually exceed 10% even with significant constriction or dilation. This small strain ensures that the arteries can maintain their structural integrity and function efficiently.
Anisotropic and Nonlinear Elastic Properties
The walls of arteries are composed of soft biological tissues that exhibit anisotropic and highly nonlinear elastic properties. These properties are influenced by the orientation and dispersion of collagen fibers within the arterial wall, contributing to the overall mechanical behavior of the artery. Mathematical models based on elasticity theory have been developed to describe these complex behaviors, which are essential for understanding both healthy and diseased states of arterial walls.
Arterial Development and Specification
Genetic and Signaling Pathways
The formation of arteries during embryonic development involves the induction of a conserved genetic program in certain vessels that will later experience increased oxygenated blood flow. Key signaling pathways, including VEGF and Notch, play a critical role in this process. These pathways help suppress MYC-dependent metabolic and cell-cycle activities, promoting the incorporation of endothelial cells into arteries. Additionally, the hierarchical arrangement of signaling molecules such as Hedgehog, VEGF, Notch, and COUP-TFII determines the fate of endothelial cells, leading to the specification of arteries and veins.
Vasculogenesis and Angiogenesis
Arteries and veins are formed early in embryonic development through vasculogenesis, where angioblast progenitors aggregate to form new blood vessels. This process is followed by angiogenesis, where new blood vessels sprout from pre-existing ones. The initial determination of artery or vein identity is regulated by genetic factors that specify endothelial cell fate, resulting in distinct structural characteristics for arteries and veins.
Clinical and Anatomical Relevance
Arterial Dissections
Arterial dissections involve a tear in the wall of a major artery, leading to the accumulation of blood within the arterial wall. This condition can affect various vascular beds, including the aorta, coronary, cervical, pulmonary, and visceral arteries, each with distinct clinical consequences such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and renal failure. Genetic studies have identified common pathophysiological mechanisms across different types of dissections, including disruptions in TGF-β signaling and extracellular matrix integrity.
Imaging and Surgical Considerations
The anatomical variations and aberrant arteries present significant risks during medical imaging and surgical procedures. Knowledge of these variations is crucial for specialists to avoid complications. Detailed studies of arterial networks, including the vasa vasorum, provide insights into the structural and functional aspects of arteries, aiding in clinical and surgical practices.
Conclusion
Arteries are vital blood vessels that play a key role in the circulatory system by transporting oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Their unique mechanical properties, development processes, and clinical significance underscore the complexity and importance of these structures. Understanding the genetic, molecular, and anatomical aspects of arteries is essential for advancing medical research and improving clinical outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
6
Arterial Vascular Patterns.
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4 Citations
1934