Aorta
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The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It begins at the left ventricle of the heart and carries oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body through the systemic circulation.
Path of the Aorta
The first section, called the ascending aorta, rises from the left ventricle and is separated by the aortic valve. Just above this valve, two small branches called the coronary arteries supply blood to the heart itself.
Next, the aorta curves over the right pulmonary artery, forming the aortic arch. Three main arteries branch off the arch:
Brachiocephalic artery
Left common carotid artery
Left subclavian artery These supply blood to the head, neck, and arms.
The aorta then continues downward as the descending aorta. It has two parts:
The thoracic aorta (above the diaphragm)
The abdominal aorta (below the diaphragm)
As it passes through the abdomen, the aorta lies to the left of the inferior vena cava. It sends off major arteries to organs such as the stomach, intestines, and kidneys. These include the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, renal arteries, and inferior mesenteric artery.
At the lower end, the aorta splits into the right and left common iliac arteries, which supply the pelvis and legs.
Structure and Function
The aorta is an elastic artery, meaning it can stretch. When the heart pumps, the aorta expands to take in the blood. During relaxation (diastole), the aorta contracts slightly, helping to maintain steady blood pressure and blood flow throughout the body.
Diseases
- Aortic aneurysm
- Aortic coarctation
- Marfan syndrome
- inborn cardiovascular defects
| Cardiovascular system |
| Heart - Aorta - Arteries - Arterioles - Capillaries - Venules - Veins - Venae cavae - Pulmonary arteries - Lungs - Pulmonary veins - Blood |