aorta

Introduction

The main trunk of the systemic arterial system. An elastic artery with many elastic lamella in the tunica media. Divisions:

• ascending aorta
• aortic arch
• thoracic aorta (descending)
• abdominal aorta

Origin

left ventricle

Branches

• brachiocephalic artery (trunk)
• left common carotid artery
• left subclavian artery
• renal artery
• superior mesenteric artery
• inferior mesenteric artery
• right & left common iliac arteries (terminal branches at the left of lumbar vertebra (L4)

Pathology

• see ARUP consult

Notes

• normal ascending aorta diameter < 35 mm

More general terms

• artery

More specific terms

• abdominal aorta
• aortic root
• aortic sinotubular junction
• ascending aorta
• thoracic aorta

Additional terms

• aortic aneurysm
• aortitis
• dissecting aortic aneurysm; aortic dissection (acute aortic syndrome)

Components

• aortic sinus (of Valsalva)