The Aorta
The aorta is the largest artery in the human body.
It receives blood from the heart and distributes it throughout the body.
Aortic Root
The aortic root is the section of the aorta that is attached to the heart. It contains the aortic valve and gives rise to the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle). The aortic root is continuous with the ascending aorta (the portion of the aorta between the root and the aortic arch).
Aortic Arch
The aortic arch is the curved portion of the aorta, which supplies blood to the brain and arms. The aortic arch has three major branches: the innominate artery, which supplies blood to the right arm and right side of the brain, the left common carotid artery, which supplies blood to the left brain, and the left subclavian artery, which supplies blood to the left arm. In addition to these branches, the aortic arch turns the flow of blood downwards to reach the descending thoracic aorta, which supplies the rest of the body.
Descending Aorta
The descending thoracic aorta joins the aortic arch to the abdominal aorta. This tube lies directly next to the spine and gives off branches that supply blood to the ribs and to the spinal cord. Once this tube crosses the diaphragm, it is known as the abdominal aorta, which supplies blood to all of the internal organs of the belly. Ultimately, the abdominal aorta terminates into the iliac arteries, which supply blood to organs of the pelvis and to the legs.
