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]]