Thoraxaorten

Thoraxaorten, commonly referred to as the thoracic aorta, is the portion of the aorta located within the thoracic cavity. It includes the aortic arch and the descending thoracic aorta and extends from the arch to the diaphragmatic aortic hiatus, where it becomes the abdominal aorta.

Anatomy and segments

The thoracic aorta begins at the end of the aortic arch in the superior mediastinum and continues inferiorly along the left side of the vertebral column. The aortic arch gives off three major branches: the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery, which supply the head, neck, and upper limbs. The descending thoracic aorta runs within the posterior mediastinum and gives off several branches, including posterior intercostal arteries, bronchial arteries, esophageal arteries, mediastinal arteries, pericardial arteries, and the superior phrenic arteries, supplying the thoracic wall, lungs, esophagus, and diaphragm. The thoracic aorta ends at the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm (approximately T12), where it becomes the abdominal aorta.

Relations and clinical relevance

The thoracic aorta lies to the left of the midline in the posterior mediastinum and is closely related to the esophagus, thoracic duct, and azygos venous system. Common clinical conditions involve the thoracic aorta, including thoracic aortic aneurysm and acute aortic dissection, which can present with chest or back pain and may require imaging for diagnosis. Diagnostic modalities frequently used include CT angiography, MRI, and echocardiography.

Overview

The thoracic aorta serves as a major conduit for distributing oxygenated blood to the thorax, chest wall, esophagus, and upper abdominal organs, and it plays a central role in the systemic circulation.