descending aorta
aorta descendens
Extending from the arch of the aorta to the point where it divides into the common iliac arteries, the descending aorta is the long axial segment of the body's largest artery. It runs down through the chest and the abdomen and is divided into two portions, thoracic and abdominal, corresponding to the two great cavities of the trunk in which it lies. That division is anatomical rather than structural: the vessel is continuous across the diaphragm, and the naming simply follows the cavity through which each part passes. Within the abdomen it terminates by branching into the two common iliac arteries, which carry blood onward to the legs. Its Latin designation is aorta descendens.
The descending aorta is the portion of the aorta in a two-pass circulatory system from the arch of aorta to the point where it divides into the common iliac arteries[GO]. The descending aorta is part of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The descending aorta is the part of the aorta beginning at the aortic arch that runs down through the chest and abdomen. The descending aorta is divided into two portions, the thoracic and abdominal, in correspondence with the two great cavities of the trunk in which it is situated. Within the abdomen, the descending aorta branches into the two common iliac arteries which serve the legs. [WP,unvetted].
On this page
| Type | Vessel |
| Body System | Cardiovascular |
| Parent Structure | mesoderm-derived structure |
| Latin Name | aorta descendens |
| FMA ID | 3784 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the descending aorta?
The descending aorta is the portion of the aorta in a two-pass circulatory system from the arch of aorta to the point where it divides into the common iliac arteries[GO]. The descending aorta is part of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The descending aorta is the part of the aorta beginnin
What body system is the descending aorta part of?
The descending aorta is part of the Cardiovascular.
What is the Latin name for the descending aorta?
The Latin name for the descending aorta is aorta descendens.
References
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Educational Disclaimer
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.
Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.
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