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Aorta
Largest artery in the human body / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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For the American band, see Aorta (band).
This article uses anatomical terminology.
The aorta (/eɪˈɔːrtə/ ay-OR-tə; pl.: aortas or aortae) is the main and largest artery in the human body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart, branching upwards immediately after, and extending down to the abdomen, where it splits at the aortic bifurcation into two smaller arteries (the common iliac arteries). The aorta distributes oxygenated blood to all parts of the body through the systemic circulation.[1]
Quick Facts Details, Pronunciation ...
Aorta | |
---|---|
![]() Schematic view of the aorta and its segments | |
![]() Branches of the aorta | |
Details | |
Pronunciation | /eɪˈɔːrtə/ |
Precursor | Truncus arteriosus, fourth left branchial artery, paired dorsal aortae (combine into the single descending aorta) |
Source | Left ventricle |
Branches | Ascending aorta:
Arch of aorta (supra-aortic vessels): Descending aorta, thoracic part:
Descending aorta, abdominal part:
Terminal branches: |
Vein | Combination of coronary sinus, superior vena cava and inferior vena cava |
Supplies | The systemic circulation (entire body with exception of the respiratory zone of the lung which is supplied by the pulmonary circulation) |
Identifiers | |
Latin | aorta, arteria maxima |
MeSH | D001011 |
TA98 | A12.2.02.001 |
TA2 | 4175 |
FMA | 3734 |
Anatomical terminology |
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