Ascending artery

Ascending Artery

Diagram of the human heart, with the ascending artery highlighted.

The Ascending Artery is a major blood vessel of the human body, responsible for carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. It is a part of the Aorta, the largest artery in the body, and is located at the beginning of the aorta, just after the aortic valve.

Structure

The ascending artery is a short, thick vessel that arises from the left ventricle of the heart. It extends upwards, hence its name, before curving to form the Aortic Arch. The artery is surrounded by the Pericardium, the double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the great vessels.

Function

The primary function of the ascending artery is to carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It does this by branching into smaller arteries and arterioles, which in turn branch into even smaller vessels, eventually reaching every cell in the body.

Clinical Significance

Diseases of the ascending artery can be life-threatening. These include Aortic Dissection, a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, and Aortic Aneurysm, a bulge in a section of the aorta. Both conditions require immediate medical attention.

See Also

• Aorta
• Aortic Dissection
• Aortic Aneurysm

References

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