Thoracic aorta
3091684
222802284
2008-07-01T04:57:30Z
164.78.248.57
{{Infobox Artery |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Latin = pars thoracica aortae, aorta thoracalis |
GraySubject = 153 |
GrayPage = 598 |
Image = Gray530.png |
Caption = The thoracic aorta, viewed from the left side. |
Image2 = Aortic dissection (1) Victoria blue-HE.jpg |
Caption2 = Histopathological image of dissecting aneurysm of thoracic aorta in a patient without evidence of Marfan's trait. The damaged aorta was surgically removed and replaced by artificial vessel. Victoria blue & HE stain. |
BranchFrom = [[descending aorta]] |
BranchTo = [[bronchial arteries]], [[Esophageal branches of thoracic part of aorta|esophageal arteries]], [[posterior intercostal arteries]], [[abdominal aorta]] |
Vein = |
Supplies = |
MeshName = Aorta,+Thoracic |
MeshNumber = A07.231.114.056.372 |
DorlandsPre = p_07 |
DorlandsSuf = 12617966 |
}}
The '''thoracic aorta''' is contained in the [[posterior mediastinal]] cavity.
It begins at the lower border of the fourth [[thoracic vertebra]] where it is continuous with the [[aortic arch]], and ends in front of the lower border of the tenth thoracic vertebra, at the [[aortic hiatus]] in the [[diaphragm (anatomy)|diaphragm]] where it becomes the [[abdominal aorta]].
At its commencement, it is situated on the left of the vertebral column; it approaches the median line as it descends; and, at its termination, lies directly in front of the column.
The vessel describes a curve which is concave forward; as the branches given off from it are small, its diminution in size is insignificant.
==Relations==
It is in relation, anteriorly, from above downward, with the root of the left [[lung]], the [[pericardium]], the [[esophagus]], and the diaphragm; posteriorly, with the [[vertebral column]] and the [[hemiazygos veins]]; on the right side, with the [[azygos vein]] and [[thoracic duct]]; on the left side, with the left [[pleura]] and lung.
The esophagus, with its accompanying plexus of nerves, lies on the right side of the aorta above; but at the lower part of the thorax it is placed in front of the aorta, and, close to the diaphragm, is situated on its left side.
==Branches==
===Branches before thoracic aorta===
The initial part of the [[aorta]], the [[ascending aorta]], rises out of the left ventricle, from which it is separated by the [[aortic valve]]. The two [[coronary artery|coronary arteries]] of the heart arise from the aortic root, just above the cusps of the [[aortic valve]].
The aorta then arches back over the right [[pulmonary artery]]. Three vessels come out of the [[aortic arch]], the [[brachiocephalic artery]], the left [[common carotid artery]], and the left [[subclavian artery]]. These vessels supply blood to the [[head]], [[neck]], [[thorax]] and [[upper limb]]s.
===Branches of thoracic aorta===
The aorta gives off several paired branches as it descends in the thorax. These includes the
*[[bronchial arteries]]
*[[Esophageal branches of thoracic part of aorta|esophageal arteries]]
*[[posterior intercostal arteries]]
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Gray503.png|Transverse section of thorax, showing relations of pulmonary artery.
Image:Gray505.png|The arch of the aorta, and its branches.
</gallery>
==External links==
* [http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-potter/Blood_Vessels/sld004.htm UCC]
{{Arteries of chest}}
{{Gray's}}
[[Category:Cardiovascular system]]
[[dv:ތޮރަސިކް އެއޯޓާ]]
[[eu:Toraxeko aorta]]
[[hr:Prsna aorta]]
[[sr:Грудна аорта]]
[[sh:Grudna aorta]]