Anatomy of the Aorta

ANATOMY OF THE AORTA Aorta is the largest artery in the body.

It originates from the Left Ventricle. It carries the oxygenated (pure) blood to various parts of body through its numerous branches. At the origin, the flow of blood from the left ventricle to aorta is controlled by Aortic Valve. Normal aorta is 2.5-3.0cm in diameter at the origin. The diameter gradually comes down as it gives away branches. Before bifurcating in the abdomen it is about 1.5-2.0cm.

First branches of Aorta are the Coronary arteries. After giving off these branches aorta climbs up to the upper part of chest and turns downward to form an arch. Thus there are three distinct parts of aorta at this area.

● Ascending Aorta – the part which goes up ● Arch of Aorta – the arching part which also gives off branches that supply the brain (carotid arteries) and the two upper limbs (Subclavian arteries) ● Descending Aorta – the part which comes down in the chest after the arch. This part gives of intercostal arteries. Intercostal arteries have a major role in the blood supply of spinal cord.

The descending aorta travels down and goes across diaphragm to enter abdomen (Abdominal Aorta). Abdominal aorta supplies the intestine and all the organs in the abdomen. The branches of Abdominal aorta are ● Coeliac Artery – supplies liver, spleen, gallbladder and pancreas ● Superior Mesenteric Artery – Supplies the intestines ● Inferior Mesenteric Artery – Supplies the intestines ● Renal Arteries – Normally one for either side and supplies kidney Aorta has very specific branches at specific locations that supply specific parts of the body. Any disease that affect the aorta in a particular location will affect the corresponding organs.The symptoms of the same disease at different locations can thus be different. After giving off these branches aorta divides into two large branches called Common Iliac Arteries(CIA) one for either side. CIA's in turn divide into Internal and External Iliac Arteries. Internal Iliacs supply the pelvic organs. External Iliacs go on to become the femoral arteries that supply legs.

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