Final answer:
A fractured rib can potentially lacerate the intercostal arteries. The aorta, pulmonary artery, inferior vena cava, and brachial artery are less likely to be lacerated by a rib fracture due to their location.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the blood vessels listed, a fractured rib can lacerate the intercostal arteries, which are not directly mentioned in the options but are associated with the thoracic cavity and vertebral column. These arteries supply blood to the muscles of the thoracic cavity and run along the ribs. Since none of the given options (Aorta, Pulmonary artery, Inferior vena cava, Brachial artery) are the correct answer because they are either too deep (the aorta and vena cava), located in the arm (brachial artery), or within the lungs (pulmonary artery), we can infer this information based on the descriptions provided about the thoracic aorta and its branches. Intercostal arteries are the closest to the rib cage and are thus the most likely to be affected by a rib fracture.
In the sequence of blood flow from the heart to the body and back, the correct order is: aorta, arteries, capillaries, venules, and finally, veins. This progression ensures that oxygenated blood is distributed throughout the body via arteries, exchanges gases and nutrients at the capillary level, and then deoxygenated blood returns to the heart through venules and veins.