Pars ascendens

Pars Ascendens is a term used in anatomy to refer to the ascending part of various structures in the human body. The most common usage of the term is in reference to the ascending part of the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine, and the ascending part of the aorta, the main artery of the body.

Pars Ascendens of the Duodenum

The pars ascendens of the duodenum is the third part of the duodenum, which ascends from the level of the third lumbar vertebra to the level of the second lumbar vertebra. It is approximately 5 cm long and is located to the left of the vertebral column and behind the peritoneum, a membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity. The pars ascendens of the duodenum ends at the duodenojejunal flexure, where the duodenum continues as the jejunum, the second part of the small intestine.

Pars Ascendens of the Aorta

The pars ascendens of the aorta, also known as the ascending aorta, is the initial part of the aorta, the largest artery in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart, ascends to the level of the sternal angle, and then turns to form the aortic arch. The pars ascendens of the aorta is responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Clinical Significance

The pars ascendens of the duodenum and the aorta are both important structures in the human body, and any abnormalities or diseases affecting these areas can have serious health implications. For example, duodenal ulcers can occur in the pars ascendens of the duodenum, and aortic aneurysms can occur in the pars ascendens of the aorta.

See Also

• Duodenum
• Aorta
• Small intestine
• Heart