Aorta vs inferior vena cava
| Property | Aorta | inferior vena cava |
|---|---|---|
| Latin Name | Aorta | caudal vena cava |
| Type | Vessel | Vessel |
| Body System | Cardiovascular | N/A |
| Body Region | Heart Region | N/A |
| Function | The largest artery in the body, carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to distribute to all body tissues via its branches. Maintains blood pressure through elastic recoil of its … | N/A |
| Clinical Significance | Aortic aneurysm (dilation) can rupture, causing fatal hemorrhage. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening tear in the aortic wall. Atherosclerosis commonly affects the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital … | N/A |
| FMA ID | 3734 | 10951 |
Full structure pages
Aorta
Aorta
The largest artery in the body, the aorta carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle and distributes it to all tissues through its branches. Elastic recoil of its walls, the Windkessel effect, helps maintain blood …