What happens if carotid artery is damaged?
If a narrowed carotid artery is left untreated, blood flow to the brain may be affected. This is usually because a blood clot forms and a piece breaks off and goes to the brain. This can result in either: a stroke – a serious medical condition that can cause brain damage or death.
What is the biggest artery?
Aorta Anatomy The aorta is the large artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle of the heart to other parts of the body.
What is the function of arteries in the body?
Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the body’s tissues. JOHN BAVOSI/Science Photo Library/Getty Images An artery is an elastic blood vessel that transports blood away from the heart. This is the opposite function of veins, which transport blood to the heart. Arteries are components of the cardiovascular system.
Which is the largest systemic artery in the body?
Pulmonary arteries carry blood from the heart to the lungs where the blood picks up oxygen. The oxygen-rich blood is then returned to the heart via the pulmonary veins. Systemic arteries deliver blood to the rest of the body. The aorta is the main systemic artery and the largest artery of the body.
What does it mean if you have plaques in your arteries?
Atherosclerosis: The buildup of cholesterol (a waxy substance) into what are called plaques in the arteries’ walls. Atherosclerosis in the arteries of the heart, brain, or neck can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Vasculitis (arteritis): Inflammation of the arteries, which may involve one or more arteries at the same time.
What are the diseases that affect the arteries?
Arterial disease is a vascular system disease that affect the arteries. This disease can impact various parts of body and includes arterial diseases such as coronary artery disease (heart), carotid artery disease (neck and brain), peripheral arterial disease (legs, arms, and head), and renal artery disease (kidneys).