Aorta

The Aorta is the largest artery found in the body and is partly responsible in conveying blood to the rest of the body. Moreover, it acts as a hydraulic filter to enable continuous and pulsatile flow of blood between systole and diastole

Ascending Aorta, Aortic Arch and Thoracic Aorta

A. Ascending Aorta B. Aortic Arch C. Isthmus of Aorta D. Descending Aorta 2. Brachiocephalic Trunk 3. Right Subclavian Vein 4. Right Common Carotid Artery 5. Left Common Carotid Artery 6. Left Subclavian Vein 7. Ductus arteriosus (only present during foetal development)

The ascending Aorta begins at the base of the left ventricle, ascends superiorly and levels at the third right costal cartilage, entering the superior mediastinum as the Aortic arch at the level of the manubrio-sternal joint. It descends at the T4 vertebra.

Branches of the Descending (Thoracic) Aorta

• Oesophageal artery
• Right bronchial artery
• Left bronchial artery
• Mediastinal artery
• Posterior intercostal arteries (T6 - T12)
• Subcostal artery

Links

Bibliography

SNELL, Richard S. Clinical Anatomy by Snells. 8th Edition edition. 2004. ISBN 978-0-7817-6404-9.

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