The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and a vast network of arteries and veins, working together to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the body and oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. The saphenous vein is commonly used as a bypass vessel in coronary artery bypass operation, or CABG. The vein is removed from the leg, divided into the correct length and attached above and below the blockage to create a detour for blood to flow to the heart.

The femoral arteries deliver blood to the leg. When catheter-based procedures are performed, the catheter is often inserted into the femoral artery in the upper thigh region and guided to the heart.

The iliac arteries channel blood to the pelvis and the lower extremities. A blockage in these arteries, or their branches, can cause pain during walking, a condition called claudication.

The renal arteries supply blood to the kidneys. High blood pressure in these arteries can damage the kidneys, impairing their ability to function.

The descending aorta is the section of aorta that descends down from the heart. There are two sections: the thoracic aorta, in the chest, and the abdominal aorta, located in the area of the stomach. If the walls of the aorta are weakened, they may bulge outward, a dangerous condition called an aneurysm.

The coronary arteries branch off the aorta and supply blood to the heart. Blockage in these arteries can weaken the heart muscle or result in a heart attack.

The mammary arteries, which supply blood to the chest, are sometimes used in bypass surgery. A segment of an artery is attached below the blockage, creating a bypass around the blockage.

The ascending aorta is the portion of the aorta that rises from the heart and begins to form a "u." This "u" is called the aortic arch.

The vena cava consist of the inferior vena cava and the superior vena cava. As the body's main veins, the vena cava empty oxygen-poor blood into the right side of the heart to be pumped to the lungs.

The subclavian arteries supply the upper chest and arms with blood.

The carotid arteries supply the brain with oxygen-rich blood. Plaque buildup in these arteries can obstruct blood flow and increase the risk of ischemic stroke.

The jugular veins transport oxygen-poor blood from the brain to the heart to pick up fresh oxygen.

The middle cerebral arteries are branches of the carotid arteries that feed the lateral portion of the brain with oxygen-rich blood. These arteries are a common site for stroke.