Vessel
Aorta
The body's main artery
High-yield
Arch branches (right→left): brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid, left subclavian. Bifurcates into common iliac arteries at L4.
Overview
The largest artery in the body, carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle. It is described in ascending, arch, thoracic (descending), and abdominal parts.
Reference facts
- Type
Elastic artery
- Origin
Left ventricle of the heart
- Branches / tributaries
Coronary arteries (ascending); Brachiocephalic trunk; Left common carotid artery; Left subclavian artery (arch); Posterior intercostal, bronchial, esophageal (thoracic); Celiac, superior/inferior mesenteric, renal, gonadal (abdominal)
- Supplies
The entire systemic circulation
- Course
Ascends from the left ventricle, arches to the left over the left main bronchus, descends through the thorax, pierces the diaphragm at T12, and bifurcates at L4
Clinical correlation
Abdominal aortic aneurysm most often occurs below the renal arteries; rupture is a surgical emergency.