Aorta

Begins at the aortic root emerging from the left ventricle. The ascending aorta gives off coronary arteries, the aortic arch gives off brachiocephalic, left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries. The descending aorta passes through the thorax and abdomen, bifurcating into common iliac arteries at L4.

Type	Vessel
Système corporel	Cardiovascular
Région corporelle	Heart Region
Nom latin	Aorta
FMA ID	3734

Fonction

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 walls (Windkessel effect).

Signification clinique

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 narrowing.

Sous-structures

right dorsal aorta Vessel common dorsal aorta Vessel larval aorta Vessel dorsal aorta Vessel left dorsal aorta Vessel ventral aorta Vessel

Questions fréquentes

What is the function of the aorta?

The aorta is the largest artery in the body and carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the rest of the body. It distributes blood to every organ system through major branches including the coronary arteries, carotid arteries, subclavian arteries, celiac trunk, renal arteries, and iliac arteries.

Where is the aorta located?

The aorta originates at the aortic valve of the left ventricle in the chest. It arches upward (ascending aorta), curves over the heart (aortic arch), descends through the thorax (descending thoracic aorta), and continues into the abdomen (abdominal aorta) before bifurcating into the common iliac arteries at approximately the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra.

What is an aortic aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm is a localized dilation or bulge in the wall of the aorta, most commonly occurring in the abdominal segment. Aneurysms develop when the aortic wall weakens, often due to atherosclerosis, hypertension, or connective tissue disorders. Rupture is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgical or endovascular intervention.

Structures associées

pericardial sac pericardium artery arterial subtree proepicardium proepicardial cluster pulmonary capillary plexus capillary network of lung pulmonary lymphatic vessel lymphatic vessel of lung pulmonary lymph node intrapulmonary lymph node pulmonary vascular system pulmonary circulatory system pericardial cavity cavitas pericardiaca

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.