Aorta

The aorta ( ; : aortas or aortae) is the main and largest artery in the human body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart, branching upwards immediately after, and extending down to the abdomen, where it splits at the aortic bifurcation into two smaller arteries (the common iliac arteries). The aorta distributes oxygenated blood to all parts of the body through the systemic circulation.

part of the aorta between the ascending and descending aorta

artery

part of the heart

large artery passing vertically through the chest and abdomen

part of the aorta located in the thorax

one of the anatomic dilations of the ascending aorta, which occurs just above the aortic valve

Aortography involves placement of a catheter in the aorta and injection of contrast material while taking X-rays of the aorta. The procedure is known as an aortogram. The diagnosis of aortic dissection can be made by visualization of the intimal flap and flow of contrast material in both the true lumen and the false lumen. The catheter has to be inserted through the right femoral artery, because in about two-thirds of cases the aortic dissection spreads into the left common iliac artery.

the point at which the abdominal aorta bifurcates into the left and right common iliac arteries