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Oct 30, 2023 · Being the first segment of the systemic circulation, the aorta originates directly from the heart. It begins from the aortic orifice found at the base of the left ventricle. It is separated from the ventricle by the aortic valve, that consists of three semilunar cusps; the right, left and posterior cusp.
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- Overview
- Function
- Anatomy
- Conditions and Disorders
- Care
The aorta is a large, cane-shaped vessel that delivers oxygen-rich blood to your body. It starts in the lower-left part of the heart and passes through the chest and abdomen. Along the way, blood vessels branch off the aorta, extending to organs and supporting tissue.
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What is the function of the aorta?
The aorta is the main vessel through which oxygen-rich blood travels from the heart to the rest of the body. It also delivers nutrients and hormones. The aorta’s branches ensure these substances reach internal organs and nearby supporting tissue.
Why is the aorta’s function so important?
The aorta is the primary source of oxygen and essential nutrients for many organs. If disease or injury affects blood flow through this vessel, life-threatening complications can occur in minutes. These include: Aortic aneurysm. Internal bleeding (hemorrhage). Aortic dissection. Kidney failure. Stroke. Advertisement
What is the anatomy of the aorta?
The aorta has many sections, including the: Aortic root: Section that attaches to the heart. This is the widest part of the aorta. Aortic valve: Three flaps of tissue (leaflets) that snap open and shut to release oxygen-rich blood from the heart. Ascending aorta: Upward curve that occurs shortly after the aorta leaves the heart. Aortic arch: Curved segment that gives the aorta its cane-like shape. It bridges the ascending and descending aorta. Descending aorta: Long, straight segment that runs from your chest (thoracic aorta) to your abdominal area (abdominal aorta).
What are the aorta’s branches?
Many smaller blood vessels branch off from the aorta, including:
What conditions can affect my aorta?
Diseases, defects and injuries can affect the aorta’s ability to do its job. These conditions include:
Is aortic disease genetic?
Certain aortic diseases, including aneurysms and dissections, can run in families. Genetic conditions, especially ones affecting the connective tissue, can also lead to aortic disease. These include: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. DiGeorge syndrome. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Marfan syndrome. Turner syndrome. Williams syndrome.
Am I at risk for aortic disease?
Your risk of aortic aneurysm, rupture or dissection increases with age. These issues are more likely to happen in older adults. The risk of certain aortic diseases also increases when you have a chronic condition that damages blood vessels. These include: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Diabetes. High blood pressure. High cholesterol. Sleep apnea. Stress. Additional risk factors include: Being male. Drinking too much alcohol. Smoking or using other tobacco products.
Does being at risk for aortic disease mean my health is in danger?
Not always. Conditions such as small aneurysms sometimes do not worsen. Others have symptoms that come on gradually. If aortic disease symptoms are progressing, healthcare providers may recommend preventive therapies. For example, endovascular aneurysm repair is a non-surgical procedure that reinforces blood vessels to prevent rupture or dissection. This is one of many options that protect you against complications.
How can I prevent aortic disease?
Some conditions, including congenital defects, genetic diseases and trauma, are difficult to prevent. But there are steps you can take to avoid other types of aortic disease. Prevention may include: Adopting healthy living habits. These include eating a nutritious diet and being physically active. Following care instructions for chronic conditions that damage blood vessels. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol or control blood sugar levels. Limiting drinks containing alcohol to one or two per day or avoiding them altogether. Managing stress. Quitting smoking or other tobacco products.
May 14, 2022 · The right ventricle pumps the blood through the pulmonary valve and into your lungs, where it picks up oxygen. The oxygen-rich blood then flows to the left atrium. The heart pumps blood through the mitral valve into the left ventricle. From the left ventricle, the blood flows through the aortic valve to the rest of your body.
Feb 23, 2022 · Your aortic valve opens to let blood flow from your left ventricle to your aorta. It closes to prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction. The closed valve keeps blood from leaking from your aorta back into your heart.
Nov 9, 2024 · Summary. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, beginning at the left ventricle of the heart, arching through the chest, and extending down into the abdomen. Its primary function is to carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body’s organs and tissues, branching into smaller arteries as it descends.
- Tolu Ajiboye
6 days ago · At the end of ventricular systole, the left ventricle stops contracting, and the pressure within the ventricle decreases below the pressure inside the aorta. Blood in the aorta begins to move backward, or regurgitate, toward the left ventricle and fills the cup-like cusps of the aortic valve.
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May 7, 2022 · Wigger’s diagram: highlighting ventricular systole. In ventricular systole (ejection phase): Ventricular pressure continues to rise as the ventricles continue to contract until it reaches a peak. During this phase, blood is ejected from the heart (hence why it is called the ejection phase).
