Anatomy
The aorta can be divided into several sections:
Aortic Root: begins at the aortic annulus and incorporates the aortic sinuses, aortic valve, and ends at the sinotubual junction.
Ascending Aorta: starts at the sinotubual junction and ends at the takeoff of the Inominate Artery (brachiocephalic artery).
Aortic Arch: continues after the Inominate Artery and ends at the Subclavian Artery. This portion of the aorta curves (arch) from the anterior portion of the chest cavity towards the back.
Descending Aorta: begins after the takeoff of the Subclavian Artery and courses down the thorax through the diaphragm.
Abdominal aorta: the Thoracic (Descending) Aorta becomes the Abdominal Aorta once it passes through the diaphragm. The Abdominal Aorta ends in the pelvis when it divides into the Iliac Arteries.
Aortic Root: begins at the aortic annulus and incorporates the aortic sinuses, aortic valve, and ends at the sinotubual junction.
Ascending Aorta: starts at the sinotubual junction and ends at the takeoff of the Inominate Artery (brachiocephalic artery).
Aortic Arch: continues after the Inominate Artery and ends at the Subclavian Artery. This portion of the aorta curves (arch) from the anterior portion of the chest cavity towards the back.
Descending Aorta: begins after the takeoff of the Subclavian Artery and courses down the thorax through the diaphragm.
Abdominal aorta: the Thoracic (Descending) Aorta becomes the Abdominal Aorta once it passes through the diaphragm. The Abdominal Aorta ends in the pelvis when it divides into the Iliac Arteries.