The term "Innominate Arteries" is used to refer to the right brachiocephalic artery or the common carotid artery. The word "innominate" is pronounced /ɪˈnɒmɪneɪt/, with the stress on the second syllable. The letters 'mn' in the middle of the word are pronounced with a silent 'n', similar to the word "pneumonia". The word "arteries" is pronounced /ˈɑː.tər.iz/ with stress on the first syllable. The spelling of this term can be tricky, but proper pronunciation is essential for medical professionals.
Innominate arteries, also known as brachiocephalic arteries, refer to a pair of large blood vessels that originate from the aortic arch in the human body. These arteries are located in the chest region and play a crucial role in supplying oxygen-rich blood to different parts of the upper body, including the head, neck, and upper limbs.
The term "innominate" means "nameless" or "unidentified," as the arteries were initially given this name due to their peculiar origin. The innominate arteries are the first branches arising from the aortic arch and are responsible for the delivery of blood to the right side of the head and neck, as well as the right arm.
Each innominate artery typically divides into two main branches known as the right common carotid artery and the right subclavian artery. The right common carotid artery supplies blood to the right side of the neck, face, and head, while the right subclavian artery delivers blood to the right upper limb. These arteries are responsible for ensuring an adequate blood supply to the brain, face, upper limbs, and various vital organs in the upper body.
Understanding the anatomy and function of innominate arteries is important for medical professionals, particularly in diagnosing and treating diseases or conditions affecting the blood flow to the head and neck. Additionally, these arteries may be involved in certain surgical procedures or interventions, such as coronary artery bypass grafting or endovascular interventions to address arterial stenosis or blockages.
The term "innominate arteries" is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
The word "innominate" comes from the Latin word "innominatus", which means "unnamed" or "without a name". The term was originally used in anatomy to refer to structures that were either unnamed or had more than one name.
The word "arteries" is derived from the Greek word "arteria", meaning "windpipe" or "blood vessel". In Greek medicine, arteries were believed to carry pneuma (air) rather than blood. The term was later used to describe the blood vessels that carried blood away from the heart.
So, when combined, "innominate arteries" refers to two large blood vessels that arise from the aortic arch in humans, one on each side, whose individual names are not provided by the term itself. They are now commonly known as the brachiocephalic arteries.