Function
The aorta is the main artery in the human body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and
extending down to the abdomen, where it splits into two smaller arteries (the common iliac
arteries).
The function of the aorta is to supply all of the systemic circulation, which means that the entire
body, except for the respiratory zone of the lung, receives its blood from the aorta. Broadly
speaking, branches from the ascending aorta supply the heart; branches from the aortic arch supply
the head, neck and arms; branches from the thoracic descending aorta supply the chest (excluding
the heart and the respiratory zone of the lung); and branches from the abdominal aorta supply the
abdomen. The pelvis and legs get their blood from the common iliac arteries.
Deliver oxygen rich blood to the body as well as hormones and nutrients.
it's a cane shaped artery. More than 1 foot long and an inch in diameter at its widest point. Towards
pelvis it narrows.
Anatomy
3 layers
- Inner layer (tunica intima)
o Blood passes through this layer and it contains smooth muscle, endothelial tissue
and connective tissue. This makes sure oxygen and nutrients will reach its
destination without getting absorbed.
- Middle layer (tunica media)
o Layer of smooth muscle, elastin and collagen (proteins). Ensures widening and
narrowing.
- Outer layer (tunica adventitia)
o Outer layer anchors aorta in its place, connects to nearby nerves and tissue.
Parts
- Aortic root
o Widest part, section that attaches to the heart.
- Aortic valve
o Three flaps of tissue (leaflets) that snap open and shut, to release oxygen-rich blood
from the heart.
- Ascending aorta
o Upward curve that occurs shortly after aorta leaves the heart.
- Aortic arch
o Curved segment that gives the aorta is can shape. It bridges ascending-descending.
- Descending aorta
o Long, straight segment that runs from your chest (thoracic aorta) to abdominal area
(abdominal aorta).
Ascending aorta branches (supplies blood to the heart muscle tissue)
Aortic arch branches
The aorta is the main artery in the human body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and
extending down to the abdomen, where it splits into two smaller arteries (the common iliac
arteries).
The function of the aorta is to supply all of the systemic circulation, which means that the entire
body, except for the respiratory zone of the lung, receives its blood from the aorta. Broadly
speaking, branches from the ascending aorta supply the heart; branches from the aortic arch supply
the head, neck and arms; branches from the thoracic descending aorta supply the chest (excluding
the heart and the respiratory zone of the lung); and branches from the abdominal aorta supply the
abdomen. The pelvis and legs get their blood from the common iliac arteries.
Deliver oxygen rich blood to the body as well as hormones and nutrients.
it's a cane shaped artery. More than 1 foot long and an inch in diameter at its widest point. Towards
pelvis it narrows.
Anatomy
3 layers
- Inner layer (tunica intima)
o Blood passes through this layer and it contains smooth muscle, endothelial tissue
and connective tissue. This makes sure oxygen and nutrients will reach its
destination without getting absorbed.
- Middle layer (tunica media)
o Layer of smooth muscle, elastin and collagen (proteins). Ensures widening and
narrowing.
- Outer layer (tunica adventitia)
o Outer layer anchors aorta in its place, connects to nearby nerves and tissue.
Parts
- Aortic root
o Widest part, section that attaches to the heart.
- Aortic valve
o Three flaps of tissue (leaflets) that snap open and shut, to release oxygen-rich blood
from the heart.
- Ascending aorta
o Upward curve that occurs shortly after aorta leaves the heart.
- Aortic arch
o Curved segment that gives the aorta is can shape. It bridges ascending-descending.
- Descending aorta
o Long, straight segment that runs from your chest (thoracic aorta) to abdominal area
(abdominal aorta).
Ascending aorta branches (supplies blood to the heart muscle tissue)
Aortic arch branches
