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The aorta is body's largest artery. It is approximately 12 inches long and about one inch in diameter. The aorta originates from the top of the left ventricle of the heart. Oxygenated blood from the heart leaves the left ventricle and travels into the aorta via the aortic valve. The valve contains three leaflets that allow for one-way blood ...
The aorta begins at the top of the left ventricle, the heart's muscular pumping chamber. The heart pumps blood from the left ventricle into the aorta through the aortic valve. Three leaflets on the aortic valve open and close with each heartbeat to allow one-way flow of blood. The aorta is a tube about a foot long and just over an inch in diameter.
- 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.
Oct 4, 2011 · http://www.nucleushealth.com/ - This 3D animation shows the anatomy of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. Explore the heart with the free iHeart Touc...
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Sep 4, 2018 · Location of Aorta Location of aorta in the human heart. The main artery of the body begins at the heart and ends when it divides itself in the iliac arteries to supply blood to the lower limbs. The aorta is found in the trunk of the human body and it is divided and named according to its location in thoracic aorta and abdominal aorta.
Nov 9, 2024 · Ascending aorta: The ascending aorta is the first section of the aorta, connected to the left ventricle, which pumps oxygenated blood to the body. It begins at the aortic valve, which regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta. Aortic arch: This is the part of the aorta that curves upward toward the head and neck. It starts where the ...
People also ask
Where does the aorta originate from?
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Where is the aorta located?
Where does the aorta start and end?
Apr 21, 2024 · Ascending Aorta. The ascending aorta arises from the aortic orifice from the left ventricle and ascends to become the aortic arch. It is 2 inches long in length and travels with the pulmonary trunk in the pericardial sheath. Branches. The left and right aortic sinuses are dilations in the ascending aorta, located at the level of the aortic valve.
