Word parts
What it means
One of the thick-walled, elastic vessels that take blood from the heart out to the body. Most arteries carry oxygen-rich blood; the pulmonary arteryPUL-muh-nair-ee AR-ter-eeThe large blood vessel that carries blood low in oxygen from the right side of the heart to the lungs.Full entry is the exception, carrying oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. Blood in arteries is under high pressure, and each heartbeat sends a wave through them that can be felt as a pulse.
For the nurse
Pulses are felt over arteries (radial, carotid, femoral, pedal). Bleeding from an artery is bright red and spurts, and needs firm direct pressure. Check pulses, color and warmth below any arterial puncture or catheter site.
Remember it
Arteries go away from the heart: both start with A.
At a glance
| Spanish | arteria |
|---|---|
| Also written | arteries, arterial |
Related terms
capillary
One of the tiniest blood vessels, joining the smallest arteries to the smallest veins.
coronary artery
One of the blood vessels on the surface of the heart that bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
vein
A blood vessel that carries blood back toward the heart.
atherosclerosis
A buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the walls of the arteries.