Aortán

Aortán is the largest artery in the circulatory system. It carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the systemic circulation, distributing it through a network of branches.

It begins at the left ventricular outflow tract and ascends as the ascending aorta, then arches backward and to the left as the aortic arch, which gives rise to the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid, and the left subclavian arteries. It continues as the descending aorta, which passes through the thorax (the thoracic aorta) and into the abdomen (the abdominal aorta).

The wall of the aortán consists of layers including a tunica media rich in elastic fibers that allows it to expand and recoil with each heartbeat, helping to dampen the pulsatile output of the heart.

The coronary arteries emerge from the base of the ascending aorta. The arch branches supply the head, neck, and upper limbs. In the thorax and abdomen, the descending aorta gives off intercostal arteries and splanchnic arteries, including the celiac trunk, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, renal and gonadal arteries, and finally partitions into the common iliac arteries.

Diseases affecting the aortán include aneurysm (dilation), dissection (tearing of the wall), and atherosclerosis. Diagnosis relies on imaging such as echocardiography, computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Management depends on size, location, and progression, ranging from surveillance to endovascular or open surgical repair.