THORACIC AORTA Meaning and
Definition
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The thoracic aorta is a vital component of the human circulatory system located in the chest cavity. It is the largest artery that originates from the heart, specifically from the left ventricle, and extends downwards, forming the upper portion of the descending aorta.
Expanding approximately level with the lower border of the fourth thoracic vertebra, the thoracic aorta traverses the chest region, lying anterior to the vertebral column and posterior to the thoracic cavity organs. It can be further divided into three sections based on its anatomical location: ascending thoracic aorta, aortic arch, and descending thoracic aorta.
The ascending thoracic aorta connects the heart with the aortic arch, ascending upwards in a gentle curve from the left ventricle. The aortic arch curves in a semicircular manner, extending over the heart's main blood vessels before turning downwards to form the descending thoracic aorta. The descending thoracic aorta proceeds inferiorly through the chest cavity, supplying oxygenated blood to the organs, muscles, and tissues located in the thoracic region. It eventually continues into the abdominal cavity as the abdominal aorta.
Consequently, the thoracic aorta plays a crucial role in the transportation of oxygenated blood from the heart to various organs and structures found within the chest, such as the lungs, esophagus, and ribs. Any abnormalities or complications associated with the thoracic aorta may potentially lead to serious medical conditions, including aneurysms, dissections, or other cardiovascular diseases.
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The portion of the aorta contained in the thorax.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THORACIC AORTA
- rhoracic aorta
- fhoracic aorta
- ghoracic aorta
- yhoracic aorta
- 6horacic aorta
- 5horacic aorta
- tgoracic aorta
- tboracic aorta
- tnoracic aorta
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- thkracic aorta
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- th0racic aorta
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- thoeacic aorta
Etymology of THORACIC AORTA
The word "thoracic" comes from the Greek word "thōdikos", which means "pertaining to the chest". The word "aorta" is derived from the Greek word "aortē", meaning "large artery". Thus, the word "thoracic aorta" originates from the combination of these two terms, referring to the large artery that is located in the chest.
Similar spelling words for THORACIC AORTA
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