The Complete List of Arteries

From the heart out to the smallest peripheral branches, the arterial system carries oxygenated blood to every organ and tissue. Tracing those vessels helps students, clinicians and curious readers understand where blood comes from and which regions depend on each branch.

There are 85 Arteries, ranging from Abdominal aorta to Vertebrobasilar (Basilar) artery. For each entry we list Origin,Territory supplied,Typical diameter (mm) so you can compare sources, targets and size — you’ll find below.

How is “Typical diameter (mm)” determined and why does it matter?

Typical diameters come from anatomical studies, imaging (CT, ultrasound, angiography) and averaged measurements; they give a practical sense of vessel size for understanding flow, choosing catheter sizes, or assessing risk (for example, aneurysm thresholds). Use them as general guides but expect individual variation.

Will this list tell me which artery supplies a specific organ?

Yes — the Territory supplied column links arteries to the regions or organs they perfuse, making the list a quick reference for anatomy or clinical correlation. Keep in mind anatomical variants exist, so consult imaging or surgical notes for patient-specific planning.

Arteries

Name	Origin	Territory supplied	Typical diameter (mm)
Ascending aorta	Left ventricle	Heart and systemic circulation origin	30
Aortic arch	Ascending aorta	Head, neck, upper limbs via branches	25
Thoracic aorta	Aortic arch	Chest wall, thoracic organs, intercostal spaces	25
Abdominal aorta	Diaphragmatic aorta	Abdominal organs and lower limbs via branches	20
Brachiocephalic trunk	Aortic arch	Right head, neck, right upper limb	10
Common carotid artery	Brachiocephalic (R)/Aortic arch (L)	Head and neck via internal/external branches	7
Subclavian artery	Brachiocephalic (R)/Aortic arch (L)	Upper limb and posterior brain via vertebral artery	9
Vertebral artery	Subclavian artery	Posterior brain, cerebellum, brainstem	4
Internal carotid artery	Common carotid artery	Anterior brain, eyes, forehead	6
External carotid artery	Common carotid artery	Face, scalp, neck, meninges	5
Vertebrobasilar (Basilar) artery	Vertebral arteries (fusion)	Brainstem, cerebellum, posterior cerebrum	3
Middle cerebral artery (MCA)	Internal carotid artery	Lateral cerebral hemispheres, motor and speech areas	3
Anterior cerebral artery (ACA)	Internal carotid artery	Medial frontal and parietal lobes	2
Posterior cerebral artery (PCA)	Basilar artery	Occipital lobes, inferior temporal lobes	2
Anterior communicating artery	Anterior cerebral arteries	Connects ACAs within circle of Willis	2
Posterior communicating artery	Internal carotid/basilar system	Connects anterior and posterior circulations	1.5
Ophthalmic artery	Internal carotid artery	Eye, orbit, lacrimal gland	2
Superior thyroid artery	External carotid artery	Thyroid gland, larynx, neck tissues	2
Lingual artery	External carotid artery	Tongue, floor of mouth	2
Facial artery	External carotid artery	Face, lips, nose, submandibular region	2
Occipital artery	External carotid artery	Posterior scalp and neck muscles	1.5
Maxillary artery	External carotid artery	Deep face, nasal cavity, palate, teeth	2.5
Superficial temporal artery	External carotid artery	Temporal scalp, auricular region	2
Internal thoracic artery	Subclavian artery	Anterior chest wall, breasts	3
Intercostal arteries	Thoracic aorta	Intercostal muscles, spinal cord via radicular branches	2
Celiac trunk	Abdominal aorta	Stomach, spleen, liver, pancreas via three branches	8
Common hepatic artery	Celiac trunk	Liver, stomach, pancreas, duodenum	5
Hepatic artery proper	Common hepatic artery	Liver, gallbladder	4
Gastroduodenal artery	Common hepatic artery	Stomach, duodenum, pancreas	3
Right gastroepiploic (gastro-omental) artery	Gastroduodenal artery	Greater curvature of stomach	3
Left gastroepiploic (gastro-omental) artery	Splenic artery	Greater curvature of stomach	3
Short gastric arteries	Splenic artery	Fundus of stomach	2
Splenic artery	Celiac trunk	Spleen, pancreatic tail, stomach	5
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA)	Abdominal aorta	Small intestine, proximal colon, pancreas	7
Inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery	SMA	Pancreas and duodenum	2
Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA)	Abdominal aorta	Distal colon, rectum (hindgut)	4
Renal artery	Abdominal aorta	Kidney	5
Middle suprarenal artery	Abdominal aorta	Adrenal gland (suprarenal)	2
Inferior phrenic artery	Abdominal aorta/common trunk	Diaphragm, suprarenal glands	2
Common iliac artery	Abdominal aorta	Pelvis and lower limb via internal/external branches	10
External iliac artery	Common iliac artery	Lower limb (continues as femoral)	7
Internal iliac artery	Common iliac artery	Pelvis, gluteal region, perineum	6
Obturator artery	Internal iliac artery	Medial thigh, hip joint	2
Internal pudendal artery	Internal iliac artery	Perineum, external genitalia	3
Uterine artery	Internal iliac artery	Uterus, upper vagina	3
Ovarian artery	Abdominal aorta	Ovary, fallopian tube	2.5
Testicular (gonadal) artery	Abdominal aorta	Testis, epididymis	2
Femoral artery	External iliac artery	Thigh and lower limb via branches	7
Profunda femoris (deep femoral) artery	Femoral artery	Deep thigh muscles and femoral head collaterals	4
Popliteal artery	Femoral artery	Knee joint, lower leg via tibial branches	6
Anterior tibial artery	Popliteal artery	Anterior compartment of leg, dorsum of foot	3
Posterior tibial artery	Popliteal artery	Posterior compartment of leg, plantar foot	4
Peroneal (fibular) artery	Posterior tibial or tibial trunk	Lateral compartment of leg, fibula	3
Dorsalis pedis artery	Anterior tibial artery	Dorsum of foot, toes	2
Internal mammary artery	Internal thoracic artery	Anterior chest wall, breasts	3
Axillary artery	Subclavian artery	Shoulder, lateral thorax, upper limb	6
Brachial artery	Axillary artery	Arm, forearm via radial/ulnar branches	5
Radial artery	Brachial artery	Lateral forearm, hand (thenar eminence)	2
Ulnar artery	Brachial artery	Medial forearm, hand (palmar arches)	2
Profunda brachii (deep brachial) artery	Brachial artery	Posterior arm, triceps	2
Pulmonary artery (main)	Right ventricle	Pulmonary arteries to both lungs	25
Right pulmonary artery	Pulmonary trunk	Right lung	15
Left pulmonary artery	Pulmonary trunk	Left lung	15
Left coronary artery (LCA)	Left coronary cusp of aorta	Left heart, septum via branches	4
Left anterior descending artery (LAD)	Left coronary artery	Anterior interventricular septum and anterior LV	3
Left circumflex artery (LCx)	Left coronary artery	Lateral and posterior left ventricle	3
Right coronary artery (RCA)	Right coronary cusp of aorta	Right heart, inferior LV, AV node	3
Posterior descending artery (PDA)	RCA or LCx (variant)	Inferior interventricular septum, inferior LV wall	2.5
Superior gluteal artery	Internal iliac artery	Gluteal muscles, hip joint	3
Inferior gluteal artery	Internal iliac artery	Gluteus maximus, posterior thigh	3
Common palmar digital arteries	Superficial palmar arch	Fingers	1
Renal segmental arteries	Renal artery	Renal segments (kidney poles/areas)	3
Lumbar arteries	Abdominal aorta	Posterior abdominal wall, spinal cord branches	2
Median sacral artery	Abdominal aorta	Sacrum, coccyx, caudal lumbar vertebrae	1.5
Superior rectal artery	Inferior mesenteric artery	Upper rectum	3
Inferior epigastric artery	External iliac artery	Anterior abdominal wall	3
Superior pancreaticoduodenal artery	Gastroduodenal artery	Pancreas head, duodenum	2
Right colic artery	Superior mesenteric artery	Ascending colon	2
Middle colic artery	Superior mesenteric artery	Transverse colon	2.5
Ileocolic artery	Superior mesenteric artery	Ileum, cecum, appendix	2
Left colic artery	Inferior mesenteric artery	Descending colon	2
Internal maxillary artery	Maxillary artery	Deep facial structures, nasal cavity, palate	2
Posterior auricular artery	External carotid artery	Scalp behind ear, auricle	1
Superior laryngeal artery	Superior thyroid artery	Larynx	1
External pudendal artery	Femoral artery	Skin of scrotum/labia and lower abdomen	1.5

Images and Descriptions

Ascending aorta

The initial upward segment of the aorta arising from the left ventricle; gives coronary arteries and supplies systemic circulation. Central conduit; aneurysm and dissection here are life-threatening and common surgically relevant conditions.

Aortic arch

Curved portion between ascending and descending aorta that gives rise to brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid and left subclavian. Important in trauma, aortic disease and as landmark in vascular surgery and endovascular repair.

Thoracic aorta

Descending thoracic aorta supplies posterior mediastinum, intercostal arteries, esophagus and bronchi. Aortic aneurysms, traumatic transection and intercostal bleeding are clinically significant in thoracic vascular care.

Abdominal aorta

Continuation of thoracic aorta that gives celiac trunk, mesenteric and renal arteries and common iliacs. Major site of atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms; key artery for visceral perfusion.

Brachiocephalic trunk

First major branch of the aortic arch on the right; divides into right common carotid and right subclavian arteries. Important in central vascular procedures and stroke/embolism pathways.

Common carotid artery

Main paired neck vessels that bifurcate into internal and external carotid arteries. Palpable pulses, carotid atherosclerosis causes stroke risk; carotid endarterectomy treats symptomatic stenosis.

Subclavian artery

Supplies the upper limb and gives the vertebral artery to posterior brain and internal thoracic branches. Subclavian stenosis causes arm claudication and cerebral hypoperfusion; important in thoracic outlet syndrome.

Vertebral artery

Ascends through cervical transverse foramina to join as basilar artery. Supplies posterior cerebral circulation; vertebral dissection causes posterior stroke and neck trauma can injure it.

Internal carotid artery

Major intracranial artery entering skull via carotid canal; supplies anterior circulation (ICA branches, MCA, ACA). Atherosclerotic plaque causes ischemic stroke; carotid interventions target proximal disease.

External carotid artery

Supplies extracranial structures including face, scalp, thyroid and oral cavity via multiple branches. Important for head and neck surgery and embolization in epistaxis or tumor bleeding.

Vertebrobasilar (Basilar) artery

Formed by vertebral arteries joining at the pons to form the basilar artery. Supplies brainstem and cerebellum; basilar occlusion causes severe stroke with high morbidity and mortality.

Middle cerebral artery (MCA)

Largest branch of ICA supplying lateral frontal, parietal and temporal lobes; territory of common ischemic strokes producing hemiparesis, aphasia and sensory loss. A key target in stroke therapy.

Anterior cerebral artery (ACA)

Supplies medial surfaces of frontal lobes and corpus callosum. ACA infarcts cause leg-predominant weakness and behavioral changes; anterior communicating aneurysms are common.

Posterior cerebral artery (PCA)

Supplies occipital cortex (vision) and medial/inferior temporal lobes. PCA strokes cause visual field defects; aneurysms and vascular malformations here affect visual processing.

Anterior communicating artery

Short midline connector between ACAs; common site for saccular (berry) aneurysms. Rupture leads to subarachnoid hemorrhage with high clinical consequence.

Posterior communicating artery

Links internal carotid and posterior cerebral arteries within the Circle of Willis. Important collateral route in carotid disease; site of aneurysms causing cranial nerve palsies.

Ophthalmic artery

First intracranial branch of the ICA supplying the retina and orbital structures. Central retinal artery occlusion causes sudden monocular blindness; ophthalmic artery injury risks vision loss.

Superior thyroid artery

First branch of external carotid supplying thyroid, larynx and anterior neck. Important in thyroid surgery and can be a source of hemorrhage or be ligated during procedures.

Lingual artery

Supplies the tongue and floor of mouth. Relevance in oral surgery, bleeding control and reconstructive flaps; lesions can affect taste and swallowing.

Facial artery

Tortuous artery supplying major facial structures including lips and nasal ala. Important for facial trauma, reconstructive surgery and epistaxis management.

Occipital artery

Supplies posterior scalp and deep neck muscles; palpable pulses occasionally. Involved in occipital neuralgia procedures and scalp flap surgeries.

Maxillary artery

Large terminal branch of external carotid supplying deep facial structures, nasal cavity and maxilla. Important in epistaxis, dental bleeding and embolization for trauma or tumors.

Superficial temporal artery

Terminal branch of external carotid supplying lateral scalp. Palpable pulse used in temporal arteritis diagnosis; biopsy of temporal artery assesses giant cell arteritis.

Internal thoracic artery

Descends behind sternum supplying anterior chest wall and pericardium. Commonly used as a graft in coronary artery bypass due to excellent patency; vulnerable in thoracic surgery.

Intercostal arteries

Paired segmental arteries from thoracic aorta supplying ribs, chest wall and spinal cord radicular branches. Injury can cause hemothorax; radicular supply important in spinal cord ischemia risk.

Celiac trunk

Short unpaired trunk dividing into left gastric, splenic and common hepatic arteries. Central for foregut perfusion; celiac disease or aneurysm has significant clinical implications.

Common hepatic artery

Branch of celiac trunk giving hepatic artery proper and gastroduodenal artery; supplies liver and upper GI. Variants affect transplant and hepatobiliary surgery planning.

Hepatic artery proper

Terminal hepatic branch supplying arterial blood to liver and gallbladder alongside portal venous flow. Important in liver surgery, transplantation and trauma; variations alter surgical approach.

Gastroduodenal artery

Descends posterior to the stomach supplying the pylorus, duodenum and pancreas (gives superior pancreaticoduodenal). Common source of upper GI bleeding and target for embolization.

Right gastroepiploic (gastro-omental) artery

Runs along greater curvature supplying gastric antrum; used in some gastric and reconstructive surgeries. Important in bleeding peptic ulcer disease and gastric artery embolization.

Left gastroepiploic (gastro-omental) artery

Branch of splenic artery supplying greater curvature and omentum; used in gastric surgery and flap reconstruction. Vulnerable in splenic artery aneurysms or trauma.

Short gastric arteries

Small branches supplying the gastric fundus from the splenic artery. Clinically relevant in splenectomy and gastric surgery where they are ligated to prevent bleeding.

Splenic artery

Tortuous vessel supplying spleen and portions of pancreas and stomach. Prone to aneurysm; embolization or ligation performed in splenic trauma or hypersplenism.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA)

Major midgut artery supplying jejunum, ileum, cecum, ascending and transverse colon. Acute SMA occlusion causes catastrophic intestinal ischemia; chronic mesenteric ischemia leads to postprandial pain and weight loss.

Inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery

Connects SMA to pancreaticoduodenal arcades supplying pancreas head and duodenum. Important collateral with superior pancreaticoduodenal artery; involved in pancreatitis-related bleeding.

Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA)

Supplies distal transverse colon, descending/sigmoid colon and upper rectum. IMA occlusion causes ischemic colitis; knowledge of collateral arcades matters in colorectal surgery.

Renal artery

Paired arteries from abdominal aorta entering kidney hilum; essential for renal perfusion and blood pressure regulation. Renal artery stenosis causes renovascular hypertension; interventions include stenting and bypass.

Middle suprarenal artery

Small paired arteries from the aorta supplying adrenal cortex. Important in adrenal surgery and tumor vascularity; typically one of several adrenal arterial sources.

Inferior phrenic artery

Supplies diaphragm and gives branches to the adrenal glands and esophagus. Relevant in upper abdominal bleeding and hepatocellular carcinoma arterial supply.

Common iliac artery

Bifurcation of abdominal aorta forming internal and external iliac arteries. Site for atherosclerotic disease and endovascular repair; supplies pelvic organs and lower limb.

External iliac artery

Travels along pelvic brim to become femoral artery; supplies lower limb and gives deep circumflex and inferior epigastric branches. Important access site for endovascular procedures.

Internal iliac artery

Supplies pelvic organs, perineum and gluteal region via anterior and posterior divisions. Embolization used for pelvic hemorrhage and obstetric bleeding control.

Obturator artery

Runs along pelvic wall to supply medial thigh muscles and hip structures. Important in pelvic fractures and surgical repair due to anastomoses with femoral system.

Internal pudendal artery

Major artery to perineum and external genital organs; critical in urological and gynecologic surgery. Injury can cause severe pelvic hemorrhage; used in reconstructive procedures.

Uterine artery

Supplies uterus and has important role in pregnancy; uterine artery embolization treats fibroids and controls postpartum hemorrhage. Ligation considered in obstetric bleeding.

Ovarian artery

Direct branch from aorta supplying ovary and tube. Important in ovarian torsion and gynecological surgery; ovarian blood supply has dual arterial sources.

Testicular (gonadal) artery

Paired arteries from aorta supplying testes and scrotal contents. Clinical relevance in varicocele, torsion evaluation and during retroperitoneal surgery to avoid ischemic injury.

Femoral artery

Continuation of external iliac in the thigh; major access site for catheterization. Supplies lower limb; femoral pulse and occlusion are central to vascular assessment and interventions.

Profunda femoris (deep femoral) artery

Primary deep branch of femoral artery supplying thigh muscles and perforating branches. Important in supplying femoral head and for collateral flow in peripheral arterial disease.

Popliteal artery

Continuation of femoral artery through adductor hiatus behind the knee. Bifurcates into anterior and posterior tibial arteries; popliteal aneurysms risk thrombosis and embolism.

Anterior tibial artery

Passes to the anterior leg and continues as dorsalis pedis supplying dorsum of foot. Vulnerable in trauma; dorsalis pedis pulse assesses distal perfusion.

Posterior tibial artery

Supplies calf muscles and plantar foot via medial/lateral plantar arteries. Posterior tibial pulse used clinically; occlusion causes critical limb ischemia.

Peroneal (fibular) artery

Supplies lateral leg and fibula; perforating branches contribute to ankle and foot. Important collateral in tibial occlusive disease and in flap surgeries.

Dorsalis pedis artery

Continuation of anterior tibial on the dorsum of foot; palpable pulse used to assess distal perfusion. Occlusion indicates peripheral arterial disease risk.

Internal mammary artery

Alternate name for internal thoracic; commonly used in coronary bypass grafting due to long-term patency. Supplies anterior chest wall and breasts; preserved in thoracic surgery for grafting.

Axillary artery

Continuation of subclavian in the axilla supplying shoulder and upper limb via multiple branches. Important in trauma and regional anesthesia; access point in some vascular procedures.

Brachial artery

Main artery of the upper arm continuing into forearm; palpable at antecubital fossa. Common site for blood pressure measurement, arterial lines and traumatic injury.

Radial artery

Supplies lateral forearm and hand; used for arterial blood gas sampling and coronary catheterization access (radial approach). Pulse felt at wrist; important in hand perfusion.

Ulnar artery

Supplies medial forearm and contributes majorly to superficial palmar arch. Dominant ulnar flow protects hand when radial artery compromised; target in bypass grafting.

Profunda brachii (deep brachial) artery

Deep branch of brachial artery supplying posterior arm musculature and humeral periosteum. Important in humeral fracture hemorrhage and surgical exposure of the arm.

Pulmonary artery (main)

Carries deoxygenated blood from right ventricle to the lungs; bifurcates into right and left pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary embolism in this vessel is life-threatening; pressures measured in cardiology.

Right pulmonary artery

Branches from main pulmonary artery to supply right lung lobes. Embolism here causes right heart strain; anatomy relevant in pulmonary surgeries and interventions.

Left pulmonary artery

Supplies left lung lobes; courses anterior to descending aorta. Important in pulmonary embolism distribution and in thoracic surgical planning.

Left coronary artery (LCA)

Arises from aortic root and divides into LAD and circumflex; supplies majority of left ventricle. LCA disease causes large myocardial infarctions; critical in cardiac surgery and angioplasty.

Left anterior descending artery (LAD)

Major LCA branch running in anterior interventricular sulcus supplying large anterior LV territory. “Widowmaker” lesions cause extensive myocardial infarction; primary PCI target in acute MI.

Left circumflex artery (LCx)

Runs in the atrioventricular groove supplying lateral and posterior LV. Variations affect myocardial perfusion; disease causes ischemia and is treated with CABG or stenting.

Right coronary artery (RCA)

Supplies right atrium, right ventricle and inferior LV; gives PDA in many people. RCA occlusion causes inferior MI and conduction disturbances due to AV nodal supply.

Posterior descending artery (PDA)

Runs in posterior interventricular sulcus supplying inferior interventricular septum. Origin variability (RCA or LCx) determines coronary dominance and affects infarct patterns.

Superior gluteal artery

Largest branch of posterior division supplying gluteal muscles and hip capsule. Important in hip surgery and intramuscular injections; damage causes gluteal ischemia.

Inferior gluteal artery

Supplies gluteus maximus and posterior thigh; exits pelvis via greater sciatic foramen. Relevance in surgical approaches and trauma to pelvis and hip.

Common palmar digital arteries

Branches of the superficial palmar arch supplying adjacent sides of fingers. Important in hand trauma and digital ischemia; small caliber but clinically significant for perfusion.

Renal segmental arteries

Named intrarenal branches supplying discrete kidney segments; surgical importance in partial nephrectomy and embolization. Segmental infarcts follow occlusion due to end-artery nature.

Lumbar arteries

Paired segmental branches supplying posterior abdominal wall and spinal cord radicular branches. Important in abdominal surgery and trauma; may be a source of bleeding in retroperitoneal hemorrhage.

Median sacral artery

Small midline branch from aortic bifurcation supplying sacral region. Rarely clinically important but can be encountered in pelvic surgery or aortic aneurysm repair.

Superior rectal artery

Terminal branch of IMA supplying upper rectum and forming anastomoses with middle rectal arteries. Hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding can involve this vessel; ligated in some colorectal surgeries.

Inferior epigastric artery

Arises from external iliac supplying lower anterior abdominal wall and participating in collateral circulation. Important in hernia repairs and laparoscopic port placement to avoid bleeding.

Superior pancreaticoduodenal artery

Arises from gastroduodenal supplying pancreatic head and duodenum; anastomoses with inferior pancreaticoduodenal from SMA. Involved in pancreatic and duodenal bleeding management.

Right colic artery

Supplies ascending colon and hepatic flexure; important in colectomy planning. Variable origin makes surgical identification important to preserve colonic perfusion.

Middle colic artery

Supplies transverse colon via central mesocolon; crucial for maintaining colonic blood flow during colorectal resections. Anastomoses form marginal artery of Drummond.

Ileocolic artery

Supplies terminal ileum, cecum and appendix; clinically significant in appendicitis surgery and right hemicolectomy because it supplies appendix base.

Left colic artery

Supplies descending colon and anastomoses with middle colic to maintain marginal artery. Important in colorectal resections and risk area for ischemic colitis.

Internal maxillary artery

Deep terminal branch supplying nasal cavity, palate, teeth and infra-temporal structures. Involved in severe epistaxis and facial trauma; embolization often targets branches here.