Aorta


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Aorta


The aorta is a large blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It leaves the heart, arches upward, then travels down through the chest and into the abdomen.

The aorta has two main portions:

  • The thoracic portion of the aorta travels through the chest and supplies blood to the upper body.
  • The abdominal portion of the aorta travels through the abdomen and supplies blood to the lower body.

Credits


Author Robin Parks, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
Last Updated November 14, 2007

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Last updated: November 14, 2007
Author: Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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