動脈
Meanings
1
Anatomical term for blood vessels carrying blood away from the heart.
Arteries carry blood from the heart to the whole body.
2
arterial road; major route
Figurative use for a main transportation artery, such as a highway or key railway line.
This road is a major artery of the city.
Usage patterns
- 動脈が詰まるfor an artery to become clogged
Cholesterol can cause an artery to become clogged.
- 〈場所〉の動脈となるto serve as the main artery (transportation route) of a place
This expressway serves as the main artery of the metropolitan area.
- 動脈を切るto cut an artery
He cut an artery in the accident and bled heavily.
- 経済の動脈a lifeline (artery) of the economy, e.g. a key trade route
This railway functions as an artery for the regional economy.
- 動脈が硬化するfor an artery to harden (arteriosclerosis)
Prolonged high blood pressure makes arteries more likely to harden.