Final answer:
The major vessels on the posterior of the heart include the inferior vena cava, coronary sinus, small cardiac vein, right coronary artery, posterior interventricular artery, and middle cardiac vein.
Step-by-step explanation:
To label the major arteries and veins on the posterior of the heart, it is important to recognize the key vessels that supply and drain the heart muscle itself. These include:
- Inferior vena cava: returns deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body to the right atrium.
- Coronary sinus: a large vein on the posterior of the heart that collects blood from the heart muscle (myocardium) itself.
- Small cardiac vein: runs along the heart's surface and drains into the right atrium.
- Right coronary artery: supplies blood to the right atrium, right ventricle, and parts of the left ventricle and septum.
- Posterior interventricular artery (also known as the posterior descending artery): supplies blood to the interventricular septum and posterior walls of the ventricles.
- Middle cardiac vein: travels with the posterior interventricular artery and drains the associated areas of the heart.
The right atrium and right ventricle are involved in receiving and pumping deoxygenated blood, respectively, but are not actually vessels. It is also important to note that the left side of the heart handles oxygenated blood and has corresponding structures, such as the left coronary artery, not labeled on the posterior view.
A flow chart showing the major systemic arteries through which blood travels from the aorta could include its major branches, such as the coronary arteries, carotid arteries, subclavian arteries, and the arteries serving the upper and lower limbs.