descending aorta

descending aorta

[disen′ding]

Etymology: L, descendere, to descend; Gk, aerein, to raise

the main portion of the aorta, consisting of the thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta, which continues from the aortic arch into the trunk of the body. It supplies many structures, including the esophagus, lymph glands, ribs, stomach, liver, spleen, intestines, kidneys, reproductive organs, and, eventually, the lower limbs. See also aorta.

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aorta

pl. aortae, aortas [L.] the great artery arising from the left ventricle, being the main trunk from which the systemic arterial system proceeds. See Table 9. See also aortic.

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abdominal aorta

the part of the descending aorta within the abdomen.

ascending aorta

the first part of the aorta which passes dorsally and cranially.

descending aorta

the aorta after it turns caudally at the aortic arch.

overriding aorta

see overriding aorta.

supravalvular aorta

the portion of aorta immediately above the aortic valve.

terminal aorta

the segment of the aorta immediately before it divides into the iliac arteries.

thoracic aorta

the part of the descending aorta within the thorax.