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The thoracic aorta is a part of the aorta located in the thorax. It is a continuation of the aortic arch . It is located within the posterior mediastinal cavity, but frequently bulges into the left pleural cavity .
- 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.
Apr 21, 2024 · The aorta can be divided into four sections: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the thoracic (descending) aorta and the abdominal aorta. It terminates at the level of L4 by bifurcating into the left and right common iliac arteries. The aorta classified as a large elastic artery, and more information on its internal structure can be found here.
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The ascending aorta rises up from the heart and is about 2 inches long. The coronary arteries branch off the ascending aorta to supply the heart with blood. The aortic arch curves over the heart, giving rise to branches that bring blood to the head, neck, and arms. The descending thoracic aorta travels down through the chest.
Nov 9, 2024 · Descending aorta: This is the part of the aorta that travels downward from the aortic arch through the chest. It is also known as descending thoracic aorta or simply thoracic aorta. Abdominal aorta: This is the final part of the aorta. It starts at your diaphragm and ends where the aorta splits off into the two arteries (iliac arteries) that ...
- Tolu Ajiboye
Oct 30, 2023 · As previously mentioned, the descending aorta is divided into the thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta, which are anatomically separated by the diaphragm. Thoracic aorta The thoracic aorta begins at the level of the T4 vertebra and courses downwards through the posterior mediastinum. Initially, it is found left to the vertebral column, but as ...
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Sep 4, 2018 · The aortic arch has three important branches that supply the upper part of the body and brain with blood, this branches are: Subclavian artery; Left common carotid artery; Brachiocephalic trunk; Aorta diagram – showing different regions. The third region is known as the descending thoracic aorta. As its name refers, this region is located in ...
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related to: where is the thoracic aorta located pictureRequest an Appointment with a Cleveland Clinic Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Specialist. Learn About the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options for an Ascending Thoracic Aneurysm.
