Also called: aortic arch
The aorta is the largest artery of the body. It arises from the left ventricle and includes the ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta and abdominal aorta, ending at L4 where it divides into the common iliac arteries. The arch gives off the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid and left subclavian arteries.
| Location | From the left ventricle through the mediastinum, then through the diaphragm at T12 into the abdomen. |
|---|---|
| Structure | Ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta and abdominal aorta; aortic root with sinuses. |
| Function | Distributes oxygenated blood from the heart to the systemic circulation. |
| Blood supply | Vasa vasorum supply the outer wall; the coronary arteries arise from the aortic root. |
| Innervation | Aortic plexus; baroreceptors in the arch relay to the vagus nerve. |
3D model: BodyParts3D (CC BY 4.0), adult male reference anatomy. Highlighted structure shown with nearby bones for context.
Branches of the arch supply the head, neck and arms. The abdominal aorta supplies the digestive organs, kidneys and pelvis via celiac, mesenteric and renal branches.
The brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery.
At about L4, into the right and left common iliac arteries.
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