We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Aorta?

By J. Beam
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 53,746
Share

The aorta is both the main artery of the body and the largest artery in the body. It acts as the central supply source of oxygenated blood flow throughout the body and plays a large role in circulation. Beginning at the heart's left ventricle, it travels upwards, slightly over, and then down through the abdomen, where it branches off into the left and right iliac arteries that run through the legs. This artery is often referred to in divided sections called the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the thoracic or descending aorta and the abdominal aorta.

The ascending aorta is the section that goes up directly from the heart. The aortic arch is the part that arches slightly back and over the left lung. As it goes down again through the thorax, it becomes the thoracic, or descending, aorta and then the abdominal aorta before it divides into the iliac arteries. It also branches off into smaller arteries that travel to the neck, the head, and the arms, which essentially supply the body's major organs and tissues with oxygenated blood.

Like a network of tunnels that the heart pumps blood into, the aorta acts as the center of blood flow and the origin of all other major arteries, including the carotid artery and the pulmonary artery. The aortic valve controls the blood flow pumped into the aorta and prevents oxygenated blood from reentering the left ventricle.

Problems with the aorta are often the result of a heart defect at birth, but they can also develop over time. It is not uncommon for the aortic valve to work improperly in newborns and preemies. Sometimes, the heart defect is outgrown and other times, surgical repair is necessary. Narrowing of this and other arteries is not uncommon and is often the cause of poor circulation.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon3229 — On Aug 17, 2007

what is a dilated aorta 2 DR.s had diagnosed me with it but my primary care dr told me don't worry about it and canceled they're recommendations. i was to receive a ct scan to make sure it was not getting worse. it was already slightly over the limit.

By anon609 — On Apr 30, 2007

What is the crucial measurement for surgery please. Is it 5cm in length, or 5cm width of the aneurysm in the aorta.

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-an-aorta.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.