Descending aorta

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== Descending Aorta ==

The descending aorta is a part of the aorta, the largest artery in the human body. It is a continuation of the aortic arch and extends down through the thorax and abdomen.

Anatomy

The descending aorta is divided into two sections:

• The thoracic aorta, which is located in the thoracic cavity.
• The abdominal aorta, which is located in the abdominal cavity.

Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic aorta begins at the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra (T4) and extends down to the diaphragm. It supplies blood to the esophagus, lungs, and the chest wall.

Abdominal Aorta

The abdominal aorta starts at the diaphragm and continues down to the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4), where it bifurcates into the common iliac arteries. It supplies blood to the abdominal organs, including the stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines.

Branches

The descending aorta gives rise to several important branches:

• The bronchial arteries, which supply the lungs.
• The esophageal arteries, which supply the esophagus.
• The intercostal arteries, which supply the intercostal muscles and the chest wall.
• The celiac trunk, which supplies the stomach, liver, and spleen.
• The superior mesenteric artery, which supplies the small intestine and part of the large intestine.
• The renal arteries, which supply the kidneys.
• The inferior mesenteric artery, which supplies the lower part of the large intestine.

Clinical Significance

The descending aorta is a common site for aneurysms, which are abnormal bulges in the wall of the artery. These can be life-threatening if they rupture. Atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, can also affect the descending aorta, leading to reduced blood flow to the organs it supplies.

Imaging

The descending aorta can be visualized using various imaging techniques, including X-ray, CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound. These imaging modalities are essential for diagnosing conditions such as aortic dissection and aneurysms.

See Also

• Aorta
• Thoracic aorta
• Abdominal aorta
• Aortic aneurysm
• Aortic dissection
• Atherosclerosis