The dilated base of the ascending aorta just above the aortic valve, containing the openings of the coronary arteries.
Structure
The aortic bulb contains three outward bulges called the sinuses of Valsalva, one behind each cusp of the aortic valve. Two of these sinuses give origin to the right and left coronary arteries.
Function
The sinuses prevent the open valve cusps from sealing against the coronary openings and create swirling currents that help close the valve at the end of ventricular contraction.
Clinical note
Dilation of the aortic bulb is a common feature of Marfan syndrome and can predispose to aortic dissection.
Find more body parts by letter
Aortic Bulb starts with A and ends with B. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
Body Parts that contain a letter from "Aortic Bulb":