Aorta

Structure

The aorta has four segments: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the descending thoracic aorta, and the abdominal aorta. Its walls contain three layers and a high concentration of elastic fibers, allowing it to expand and recoil with each heartbeat.

Function

Each contraction of the left ventricle ejects blood into the aorta at high pressure. The vessel’s elasticity smooths the pulsatile flow and helps propel blood forward during diastole.

Branches

Major branches include the coronary arteries supplying the heart, the brachiocephalic trunk and carotid arteries serving the head and arms, and the renal and iliac arteries serving the kidneys and lower body.