WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Aorta

The aorta is a large blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It leaves the heart, arches upward, then travels down through the chest and into the abdomen.

The aorta has two main portions:

  • The thoracic portion of the aorta travels through the chest and supplies blood to the upper body.
  • The abdominal portion of the aorta travels through the abdomen and supplies blood to the lower body.
Author Robin Parks, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer George Philippides, MD
- Cardiology
Last Updated November 14, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 14, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
@ 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.