What is the thoracic aorta and what are its parts?

The thoracic aorta is the largest artery in the thorax, carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle. It consists of three parts: the ascending aorta, the arch of aorta, and the descending thoracic aorta.

What are the branches of the ascending aorta?

The ascending aorta gives off the right and left coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. These arteries arise from the aortic sinuses (Valsalva).

What structures does the arch of the aorta give rise to?

The arch of the aorta branches into three main arteries: the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery. These supply blood to the head, neck, and upper limbs.

What are the main branches of the descending thoracic aorta?

The descending thoracic aorta has parietal branches like posterior intercostal arteries and visceral branches including bronchial and esophageal arteries. These supply the chest wall and thoracic organs.

What is coarctation of the aorta and what are its types?

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital narrowing near the ductus arteriosus. It has two types: preductal (above the ductus arteriosus) and postductal (below the ductus arteriosus, more common in adults).

What clinical conditions are associated with the thoracic aorta?

Common conditions include aneurysms (ascending or arch), which can compress nearby structures; patent ductus arteriosus, a persistent fetal connection; and dissecting aneurysm, where blood tears through the aortic wall.

How does the thoracic aorta relate to the abdominal aorta?

The thoracic aorta continues as the abdominal aorta after passing through the aortic hiatus in the diaphragm at the T12 vertebra. This transition marks the change from thoracic to abdominal arterial supply.

Thoracic Aorta – Ascending, Arch, Descending & Branches

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