aorta (āôr´tə), primary artery of the circulatory system in mammals, delivering oxygenated blood to all other arteries except those of the lungs. The human aorta, c.1 in. (2.54 cm) in diameter, originates at the left ventricle of the heart. After supplying the coronary arteries that nourish the heart itself, the aorta extends slightly toward the neck to feed branches serving the head and arms. It then arches down toward the waist, directing blood into the arterial system of the chest. Entering the abdomen through the aortic hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm, the aorta branches off to supply the stomach, kidneys, intestines, gonads, and other organs through extensive arterial networks. It finally divides into the two iliac arteries carrying blood to the legs. The elasticity of the aorta wall permits it to pulse in rhythm with the heartbeat, thus helping to propel blood through the body.

aorta (ay-or-tă) n. (pl. aortae or aortas) the main artery of the body, from which all others derive. abdominal a. the part of the descending aorta below the diaphragm. arch of the a. the part of the aorta that arches over the heart. ascending a. the part of the aorta that arises from the left ventricle. descending a. the part of the aorta that descends in front of the backbone. thoracic a. the part of the descending aorta from the arch of the aorta to the diaphragm.
—aortic (ay-or-tik) adj.

aorta The major blood vessel in higher vertebrates through which oxygenated blood leaves the heart from the left ventricle. The aorta branches to form many smaller arteries, which in turn branch many times to supply oxygen and essential nutrients to all living cells in the body. See also dorsal aorta; ventral aorta.

a·or·ta / āˈôrtə/ • n. the main artery of the body, supplying oxygenated blood to the circulatory system. In humans it passes over the heart from the left ventricle and runs down in front of the backbone. DERIVATIVES: a·or·tic / -tik/ adj.

aorta Principal artery in the body. Carrying freshly oxygenated blood, the aorta leaves the left ventricle of the heart and descends the length of the trunk, finally dividing to form the two main arteries that serve the legs. See also circulatory system; heart

aorta XVI. — modL. — Gr. aortḗ, f. aeírein raise; cf. ARTERY.

aorta In Mammalia, the main artery conveying blood to the whole body.

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