The peripheral vascular system is the part of the
circulatory system that consists of the
veins
Veins are blood vessels in humans and most other animals that carry blood towards the heart. Most veins carry deoxygenated blood from the tissues back to the heart; exceptions are the pulmonary and umbilical veins, both of which carry oxygenated b ...
and
arteries not in the chest or abdomen (i.e. in the
arms,
hand
A hand is a prehensile, multi-fingered appendage located at the end of the forearm or forelimb of primates such as humans, chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs. A few other vertebrates such as the koala (which has two opposable thumbs on each "h ...
s,
legs and
feet).
The peripheral arteries supply
oxygenated blood
Blood is a body fluid in the circulatory system of humans and other vertebrates that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells, and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells. Blood in the ci ...
to the body, and the peripheral veins lead
deoxygenated blood from the
capillaries in the
extremities back to the
heart.
Peripheral veins are the most common
intravenous
Intravenous therapy (abbreviated as IV therapy) is a medical technique that administers fluids, medications and nutrients directly into a person's vein. The intravenous route of administration is commonly used for rehydration or to provide nutrie ...
access method in both hospitals and
paramedic services for a
peripheral intravenous (IV) line for
intravenous therapy
Intravenous therapy (abbreviated as IV therapy) is a medical technique that administers fluids, medications and nutrients directly into a person's vein. The intravenous route of administration is commonly used for rehydration or to provide nutri ...
.
In some cases blockages in the peripheral arteries may be treated with
catheterization and
balloon dilatation instead of surgery.
See also
*
Atherosclerosis
*
Peripheral artery disease
*
Peripheral vascular disease
*
Stenosis
A stenosis (from Ancient Greek στενός, "narrow") is an abnormal narrowing in a blood vessel or other tubular organ or structure such as foramina and canals. It is also sometimes called a stricture (as in urethral stricture).
''Stricture'' ...
*
Systemic circulation
The blood circulatory system is a system of organs that includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood which is circulated throughout the entire body of a human or other vertebrate. It includes the cardiovascular system, or vascular system, tha ...
*
Thrombosis
References
{{Arteries and veins
Cardiovascular system