ASCENDING AORTA Meaning and
Definition
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The ascending aorta is a vital component of the human cardiovascular system. It refers to the first segment of the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. Specifically, the ascending aorta begins at the aortic valve, located in the left ventricle of the heart, and extends upward in a curved manner for a short distance before it takes a turn to become the arch of the aorta.
The primary function of the ascending aorta is to carry oxygenated blood pumped by the heart to various tissues and organs throughout the body. As blood leaves the left ventricle, it enters the ascending aorta and is propelled upward due to the rhythmic contraction of the heart. The ascending aorta serves as a conduit through which this oxygen-rich blood is transported to supply the brain, upper body, and other organs.
Anatomically, the ascending aorta is approximately 2-3 centimeters in diameter, although this can vary among individuals. Along its length, the ascending aorta contains three small swellings called the aortic sinuses, which lie just above the aortic valve. These sinuses help maintain efficient blood flow and prevent backflow of blood into the heart.
Structural abnormalities or weaknesses in the ascending aorta can lead to serious medical conditions, such as aortic aneurysms, which are bulges or enlargements of the aortic wall. These conditions require careful monitoring, as they can increase the risk of complications such as aortic dissection, a potentially life-threatening condition where the layers of the aortic wall separate.
In summary, the ascending aorta is the initial segment of the aorta responsible for carrying oxygenated blood out of the heart and distributing it to various organs and tissues in the body.
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The first part of the aorta between its origin from the heart and the arch of the aorta.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ASCENDING AORTA
- zscending aorta
- sscending aorta
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- aacending aorta
- azcending aorta
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- aecending aorta
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- asvending aorta
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Etymology of ASCENDING AORTA
The word "ascending" is derived from the Latin word "ascendere", which means "to climb" or "to go upward". In anatomy, "ascending" refers to something that is rising or moving upward.
The term "aorta" comes from the Greek word "aortē", which means "great artery". The Greek word itself is a combination of "a-" (meaning "not") and "ortē" (meaning "a small artery"). This is because the aorta is the main artery that emerges from the heart, carrying oxygen-rich blood to the various parts of the body.
Therefore, the term "ascending aorta" describes the section of the aorta that emerges from the heart, curving upward in a climbing manner before continuing its path through the body.
Similar spelling words for ASCENDING AORTA
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