Second Part

Abstract

From the description of the cutaneous arteries, it becomes apparent that their characteristic features are identified by those details that were until now noticed the least. Their origins from the deep arteries are subject to wide variations in some areas. The exit points from the muscular layer of the body cannot always be specified precisely and in a generally accepted manner. However, they demonstrate great regularity in their regions of arborization, especially in their arrangement and orientation. This relatively greater regularity in regions of arborization compared with their origins is a feature they share in common with all other arteries of the body. The terminal ramifications and the territories supplied are always much more constant than the origin and the stem arteries from which they arise. It is sufficient to refer to the cutaneous arteries of the neck or of the lateral chest wall as examples. There the peripheral region of expansion and distribution often provides the only truly distinctive characteristic. This phenomenon is based on the development of the vascular system.