thoracic aorta

tho·rac·ic a·or·ta

[TA]

the part of the descending aorta superior to the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm (at the T-12 vertebral level).

Synonym(s): pars thoracica aortae [TA], aorta thoracica ☆ , thoracic part of aorta

thoracic aorta

n.

The part of the descending aorta that extends from the arch of the aorta to the diaphragm.

thoracic aorta

Etymology: Gk, thorax, chest, aerein, to raise

the large upper part of the ascending arch and descending aorta, supplying many parts of the body, such as the heart, ribs, chest muscles, and stomach. Its branches include the coronary brachiocephalic, left common carotid artery, left subclavian, pericardial, bronchial, esophageal, mediastinal, posterior intercostal, subcostal, and superior phrenic. See also descending aorta. Compare abdominal aorta.

tho·rac·ic a·or·ta

(thōr-as'ik ā-ōr'tă) [TA]

The part of the descending aorta that supplies structures as far down as the diaphragm.
Synonym(s): aorta thoracica, pars thoracica aortae, thoracic part of aorta.

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.

---

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.