The aorta is the body's largest artery and the main route by which oxygenated blood leaves the heart for systemic circulation. This lesson introduces its course, major regions, and the branches that distribute blood to the head, arms, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and legs.
The aorta begins at the aortic valve in the left ventricle. It carries oxygenated blood away from the heart, first moving upward as the ascending aorta. It then curves in a hairpin-shaped bend called the aortic arch and continues downward as the descending aorta.
All flashcards
What is the aorta?
The aorta is the body's largest artery. It begins at the left ventricle and distributes oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation.
What are the main parts of the aorta by course?
The ascending aorta rises from the heart, the aortic arch curves over, and the descending aorta travels downward.
What are the three major branches of the aortic arch?
From proximal to distal, they are the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery.
What distinguishes the thoracic and abdominal aorta?
The thoracic aorta is the descending aorta in the chest. After it passes through the diaphragm, it is called the abdominal aorta.
What happens at the aortic bifurcation?
The abdominal aorta divides into the right and left common iliac arteries; the median sacral artery also arises nearby.
Quiz questions
Which sequence lists the layers of the aortic wall from outer to inner?Answer: Tunica externa, tunica media, tunica intima.
What do the vasa vasorum do in the aortic wall?Answer: They supply nutrients to the outer and middle layers.
Which embryonic aortic arch contributes to a central part of the aortic arch?Answer: The left fourth aortic arch.
In patent ductus arteriosus, which vessels remain connected by the open ductus?Answer: The pulmonary artery and proximal descending aorta.
How does increased aortic stiffness affect pulse wave velocity?Answer: It increases pulse wave velocity.
Based on the Wikipedia article Aorta, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.