Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
artery
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
Diagram showing a transverse section of an artery with labeled layers: tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia, including endothelium, connective tissue, elastic membranes, and muscle fibers. drug-eluting stent Diagram of the circulatory system showing a red artery carrying blood from the heart, branching into smaller arterioles and capillaries, then merging into blue venules and a vein returning blood to the heart. Medical illustration of a human head in profile showing the superficial arteries and veins of the face and scalp, with major blood vessels labeled, including temporal, facial, and carotid arteries and veins. Three-panel medical illustration showing balloon angioplasty and stent insertion in an artery. Panel A shows a catheter with a balloon and stent positioned at a narrowed section with plaque. Panel B shows the balloon inflated, compressing the plaque and expanding the stent. Panel C shows the expanded stent holding the artery open with the plaque compressed against the artery wall. Two cross-sectional illustrations compare a normal human artery with a healthy, open lumen to an artery narrowed by atherosclerotic plaque buildup, showing damaged endothelium, foam cells, fibrous cap, and lipid deposits.
Watch red blood cells travel through arteries and capillaries to deliver oxygen
Understanding the human cardiovascular system
Quizzes
Male muscle, man flexing arm, bicep curl.
Facts You Should Know: The Human Body Quiz
A Yorkshire terrier dressed up as a veterinarian or doctor on a white background. (dogs)
A Visit with the Word Doctor: Medical Vocabulary Quiz
Superficial arteries and veins of face and scalp, cardiovascular system, human anatomy, (Netter replacement project - SSC)
The Human Body

artery: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Modified link of Web site: National Center for Biotechnology Information - Anatomy, Arteries. Nov 07, 2026
Add new Web site: American Society of Neuroradiology - Artery or Vein: To Be or Not To Be? (PDF). Mar 05, 2025
Add new Web site: Verywell Health - Arteries in the Body: What are their Functions? Jul 19, 2024
Add new Web site: WebMD - The Difference Between Arteries and Veins. Jul 13, 2024
Add new Web site: UEN Digital Press with Pressbooks - Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology - Histology of Arteries and Veins. Nov 30, 2023
Add new Web site: Healthline - Arteries of the Body. Sep 21, 2023
Add new Web site: Medicine LibreTexts - Arteries. Jun 06, 2023
Add new Web site: Cleveland Clinic - Arteries. Mar 18, 2023
Add new Web site: National Center for Biotechnology Information - Anatomy, Arteries. Feb 03, 2023
Add new Web site: WebMD - Heart Health Center - Picture of the Arteries. Jan 14, 2016
Add new Web site: Medscape - Arterial Supply Anatomy. Jan 14, 2016
New illustration added. Jan 16, 2009
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
View Changes:
Article History
Revised:
By: