The largest
Artery in the
Human Body , the originates from the
Left Ventricle of the
Heart and brings oxygenated blood to all parts of the body in the
Systemic Circulation .
The aorta is usually divided into several segments. The portion above the
Diaphragm (in the
Thorax ) is called the ''
Thoracic Aorta '' and is sometimes further subdivided into the ''ascending aorta'', ''aortic arch'' and ''descending (thoracic) aorta''. The portion below the diaphragm (in the
Abdomen ) is known as the ''
Abdominal Aorta ''
The aorta is an elastic artery, and as such is quite distensible. When the left ventricle contracts to force blood into the aorta, the aorta expands. This stretching gives the potential energy that will help maintain blood pressure during
Diastole , as during this time the aorta contracts passively.
- - Descending aorta
- - Abdominal aorta
