Aortai

Aortai is the plural form of the aorta in some languages and Latinized anatomical terminology. In English usage, the singular is aorta and the common plurals are aortae or aortas. The aorta is the main arterial trunk of the systemic circulation, carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body.

Anatomy and segments: The aorta begins at the left ventricle as the aortic root and ascends as the ascending aorta. It forms the aortic arch, from which three major branches arise: the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery. After the arch, the descending aorta passes through the thorax as the thoracic aorta, giving off branches to the bronchial, esophageal, intercostal, and other thoracic structures. It then becomes the abdominal aorta after passing through the diaphragm, where major visceral branches include the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, renal arteries, and gonadal arteries. The abdominal aorta ends by bifurcating into the common iliac arteries near the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra.

Function and structure: The aorta functions as a high-pressure conduit, distributing oxygen-rich blood to all organs via its numerous branches. Its walls contain elastic tissue and smooth muscle designed to accommodate pulsatile flow and help maintain continuous circulation.

Clinical relevance: Diseases of the aorta include aneurysm (especially abdominal aortic aneurysm) and aortic dissection, as well as congenital conditions such as coarctation. Diagnosis commonly employs ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, or magnetic resonance imaging, with treatment ranging from medical management to open or endovascular repair (such as EVAR or TEVAR) depending on location and risk.