What is the aorta?

The circulatory system supplies the entire bodyoxygen. In this article, we will consider what an aorta is and what its role is. The aorta is the largest arterial vessel that has a significant branching. It provides blood supply to all organs and tissues. The aorta begins in the left ventricle and has an arcuate appearance. The vessel goes around the heart, and then goes down. There are three parts of the aorta: ascending, descending and arc.

The aorta is located in a large circle of circulation and is unpaired. The descending part of the vessel has a large extent and is conditionally divided into the abdominal and thoracic.

Structure of the aorta

This arterial vessel is exposed to the maximum blood pressure. That is why the wall of the aorta is characterized by considerable thickness and has a specific structure. It includes three layers:

Inner, lined with a mucous membrane;
Medium, which is a dense connective tissue;
External, including soft epithelium.

The thoracic aorta is located near the esophagus, runs to the right of it. Under a special opening in the diaphragm, the abdominal aorta begins, giving rise to numerous branches and arteries.

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