Aorta

Definition

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body, responsible for transporting oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the rest of the body. It plays a critical role in systemic circulation by distributing blood through its various branches.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The aorta originates from the left ventricle of the heart.
2. It has three main sections: ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta.
3. The aortic arch gives rise to major arteries like the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery.
4. The descending aorta is divided into thoracic and abdominal parts.
5. Aortic aneurysms can occur due to weakening of the arterial wall.

Review Questions

• What are the three main sections of the aorta?
• Which part of the heart does the aorta originate from?
• Name two major arteries that branch off from the aortic arch.

Related terms

left ventricle: The chamber of the heart that pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta.

systemic circulation:

The part of cardiovascular circulation which carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body, and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

artery: A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to various parts of the body.