This study provides a detailed review of the anatomical structure and hemodynamic function of the aorta and major systemic arteries, including the carotid, subclavian, renal, and iliac arteries. It emphasizes how specific morphological features—such as lumen diameter, wall thickness, histological composition, and elasticity—directly influence blood flow dynamics, vascular resistance, and regional organ perfusion. The analysis highlights the functional significance of elastic arteries, particularly the aorta, in buffering cardiac pulsations and maintaining continuous diastolic flow, as well as the role of muscular arteries, such as the renal and iliac arteries, in regulating regional blood flow through vasomotor control. Additionally, the study explores how variations in arterial geometry, including branching patterns and bifurcation points, affect shear stress distribution and contribute to the localization of vascular pathologies, including atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation. By integrating anatomical and physiological perspectives, this research underscores the clinical relevance of understanding arterial structure–function relationships for the early detection, prevention, and management of cardiovascular diseases.

Aorta; Major Arteries; Arterial Anatomy; Hemodynamics; Elastic Arteries; Muscular Arteries; Blood Flow; Arterial Compliance; Shear Stress; Cardiovascular Physiology

Standring S. Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed. London: Elsevier; 2020.

Netter FH. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2018.

Zamir M. The Physics of Pulsatile Flow. 2nd ed. New York: Springer; 2012.

Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2020.

Guyton AC, Hall JE. Textbook of Medical Physiology. 14th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2021.

Safian RD, Textor SC. Renal-artery stenosis. N Engl J Med. 2001;344(6):431–442.

Malek AM, Alper SL, Izumo S. Hemodynamic shear stress and its role in atherosclerosis. JAMA. 1999;282(21):2035–2042.

Townsend RR, Wilkinson IB, Schiffrin EL, et al. Aortic stiffness and cardiovascular risk. J Hypertens. 2015;33(8):1540–1553.

Criqui MH, Aboyans V. Epidemiology of peripheral artery disease. Circ Res. 2015;116(9):1509–1526.

Nichols WW, O’Rourke MF. McDonald’s Blood Flow in Arteries: Theoretical, Experimental and Clinical Principles. 6th ed. London: CRC Press; 2011.

Zamir M, Fung YC. Mechanical properties of arteries and their effect on pulse wave propagation. J Biomech Eng. 1991;113(1):99–107.

Davies PF. Flow-mediated endothelial mechanotransduction. Physiol Rev. 1995;75(3):519–560.

O’Rourke MF, Hashimoto J. Mechanical factors in arterial aging: A clinical perspective. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;50(1):1–13.