What are the branches of the aorta?

Key facts about the aorta Origin Left ventricle Branches Ascending aorta: Left and right coronary Supply Entire body except for the lungs

What is the anatomical course of the aorta?

Fig 1 – Overview of the anatomical course of the aorta. By Edoarado [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons. The ascending aorta arises from the aortic orifice from the left ventricle and ascends to become the aortic arch. It is 2 inches long in length and travels with the pulmonary trunk in the pericardial sheath.

Where is the thoracic aorta located?

Thoracic Aorta. The thoracic (descending) aorta spans from the level of T4 to T12. Continuing from the aortic arch, it initially begins to the left of the vertebral column but approaches the midline as it descends.

What structures does the ascending aorta communicate with?

Superiorly, the ascending aorta communicates with the remaining tissue of the thymus gland, the sternum, the right pleura, and the anterior margin of the right lung. The aortic arch is the second part of the aorta that begins at the branching point of the brachiocephalic trunk, posterior to the right second sternocostal joint.

Where is the aorta located in the body?

The aorta is the first segment of the systemic arterial circulation, originating directly from the left ventricle of the heart. It is the largest artery in the body consisting of three parts that each has its special characteristics, most notably in their direction and orientation.

What is the terminal branch of the abdominal aorta?

The terminal branches of the abdominal aorta, the left and right common iliac arteries, arise from the bifurcation in front of the body of L4 vertebra about 1.25 cm to the left of the median plane. The common iliac arteries supply the lower limb, the gluteal region, and the pelvic viscera.

What is laterally to the right of the aorta?

Laterally to the right is the superior vena cava, and the right atrium, and laterally to the left is the left atrium and the pulmonary trunk. Superiorly, the ascending aorta communicates with the remaining tissue of the thymus gland, the sternum, the right pleura, and the anterior margin of the right lung.

What is the significance of the branching pattern of the aorta?

Background: Vascular variations regarding the branching pattern of the aorta are important in different laparoscopic surgeries, liver and kidney transplantation, oncologic resections, and various interventional radiological procedures in the abdominal region.

Where does the abdominal aorta enter the vertebral column?

Continuing from the aortic arch, it initially begins to the left of the vertebral column but approaches the midline as it descends. It leaves the thorax via the aortic hiatus in the diaphragm, and becomes the abdominal aorta.

What is the thoracic aorta related to anteriorly?

Anteriorly, it is related to the left pulmonary hilum, pericardium that encloses the left atrium, the lower part of the esophagus and the diaphragm. Posteriorly, the thoracic aorta is in proximity with the vertebral column and hemiazygos and accessory hemiazygos veins.