Editing Artery (section)

==Clinical significance==
[[File:Atherosclerosis diagram.png|thumbnail|right|Diagram showing the effects of [[atherosclerosis]] on an artery]]

[[Systemic circulation|Systemic]] arterial pressures are generated by the forceful contractions of the heart's [[left ventricle]]. High [[blood pressure]] is a factor in causing arterial damage. Healthy resting arterial pressures are relatively low, mean systemic pressures typically being under {{cvt|100|mmHg|psi kPa|lk=on}} above surrounding [[atmospheric pressure]] (about {{cvt|760|mmHg|psi kPa|disp=comma}} at sea level). To withstand and adapt to the pressures within, arteries are surrounded by varying thicknesses of [[smooth muscle]] which have extensive elastic and inelastic [[connective tissue]]s. The pulse pressure, being the difference between [[Systole (medicine)|systolic]] and [[Diastole|diastolic]] pressure, is determined primarily by the amount of blood ejected by each heart beat, [[stroke volume]], versus the volume and elasticity of the major arteries.

A [[blood squirt]], also known as an arterial gush, is the effect when an artery is [[cutting|cut]] due to the higher arterial pressures. Blood is spurted out at a rapid, intermittent rate, that coincides with the heartbeat. The amount of [[exsanguination|blood loss]] can be copious, can occur very rapidly, and be life-threatening.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brooksidepress.org/Products/OperationalMedicine/DATA/operationalmed/Manuals/Standard1stAid/chapter3.html|title=U.S. Navy Standard First Aid Manual, Chapter 3 (online)|access-date=3 Feb 2003}}</ref>

Over time, factors such as elevated arterial [[blood sugar]] (particularly as seen in [[diabetes mellitus]]), [[lipoprotein]], [[cholesterol]], [[high blood pressure]], [[stress (psychological)|stress]] and [[Tobacco smoking|smoking]], are all implicated in damaging both the [[endothelium]] and walls of the arteries, resulting in [[atherosclerosis]]. Atherosclerosis is a disease marked by the hardening of arteries. This is caused by an [[atheroma]] or plaque in the artery wall and is a build-up of cell debris, that contain [[lipid]]s, (cholesterol and [[fatty acids]]), [[calcium]]<ref name=":0">Bertazzo, S. ''et al.'' Nano-analytical electron microscopy reveals fundamental insights into human cardiovascular tissue calcification. ''Nature Materials'' '''12''', 576-583 (2013).</ref><ref>Miller, J. D. Cardiovascular calcification: Orbicular origins. ''Nature Materials'' '''12''', 476-478 (2013).</ref> and a variable amount of [[fibrous connective tissue]].

Accidental intra-arterial injection either [[iatrogenic]]ally or through recreational drug use can cause symptoms such as intense pain, [[paresthesia]] and [[necrosis]]. It usually causes permanent damage to the limb;  often [[amputation]] is necessary.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Sen MD|first1=Surjya|last2=Nunes Chini MD Phd|first2=Eduardo|last3=Brown MD|first3=Michael J.|title=Complications After Unintentional Intra-arterial Injection of Drugs: Risks, Outcomes, and Management Strategies|volume=80|issue=6|pages=783–95|url=http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(11)61533-4/fulltext|journal=Mayo Clinic Proceedings|publisher=MAYO Clinic|access-date=25 August 2014|format=Online archive of Volume 80, Issue 6, Pages 783–795, June 2005 Mayo Clinic Proceedings|date=June 2005|quote=Unintentional intra-arterial injection of medication, either iatrogenic or self-administered, is a source of considerable morbidity. Normal vascular anatomical proximity, aberrant vasculature, procedurally difficult situations, and medical personnel error all contribute to unintentional cannulation of arteries in an attempt to achieve intravenous access. Delivery of certain medications via arterial access has led to clinically important sequelae, including paresthesias, severe pain, motor dysfunction, compartment syndrome, gangrene, and limb loss. We comprehensively review the current literature, highlighting available information on risk factors, symptoms, pathogenesis, sequelae, and management strategies for unintentional intra-arterial injection. We believe that all physicians and ancillary personnel who administer intravenous therapies should be aware of this serious problem.|pmid=15945530|doi=10.1016/S0025-6196(11)61533-4|doi-access=free}}</ref>