Learning Objective: By the end of this session, the learner will be able to describe blood vessels using a six-part framework covering type, site, size, course, origin/branches, and tributaries/union.
A 6-Part Framework for Learning the Anatomy of Blood Vessels
The study of vascular anatomy is essential for understanding circulation, organ perfusion, and the relationships that vessels share with nerves and surrounding structures. Due to the complexity of the vascular system, using a consistent method to analyse each artery or vein greatly enhances accuracy and retention.
This six-part framework can be applied to any arterial or venous vessel.
Activity
1. Type
The type identifies whether the vessel is an artery or a vein. For veins, it is also useful to distinguish between superficial and deep systems.
Examples:
- The brachial artery is an artery of the upper limb.
- The cephalic vein is a superficial vein of the upper limb.
- The femoral vein is a deep vein of the lower limb.
2. Site
The site describes the anatomical region in which the vessel is located, helping relate it to neighbouring structures.
Examples:
- The brachial artery is a vessel of the medial arm.
- The external carotid artery is a vessel of the head and neck.
- The great saphenous vein is a vessel of the medial lower limb.
3. Size
The size refers to the relative calibre of the vessel and helps distinguish between major vessels and their smaller branches.
Examples:
- The popliteal artery is a large vessel.
- The genicular arteries are small vessels.
- The basilic vein is a large superficial vein.
4. Course
The course describes the path the vessel follows and its relationship to key anatomical landmarks.
Examples:
- The common carotid artery begins at the sternoclavicular joint, runs deep to the sternocleidomastoid, and bifurcates at the upper border of the thyroid cartilage.
- The great saphenous vein ascends anterior to the medial malleolus and travels along the medial thigh.
- The brachial artery runs along the medial humerus, deep to the biceps brachii.
5. Origin / Branches (Arteries)
For arteries, this section describes where the vessel originates and the branches derived from it, following the direction of blood flow.
Examples:
- The brachial artery is a continuation of the axillary artery and terminates as the radial and ulnar arteries.
- The external carotid artery arises from the common carotid artery and gives multiple branches to the face and neck.
- The popliteal artery is a continuation of the femoral artery and gives rise to the genicular arteries.
6. Tributaries / Union (Veins)
For veins, this section outlines the vessels that drain into the vein and the vessel it ultimately drains into.
Examples:
- The cephalic vein arises from the dorsal venous arch, receives the median cubital vein, and drains into the axillary vein.
- The great saphenous vein receives tributaries from the superficial veins of the leg and drains into the femoral vein.
- The basilic vein receives tributaries from the medial forearm and joins the brachial veins to form the axillary vein.
