toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Anatomy of the aorta

Anatomy of the aorta

The aorta stems from the heart, arches upward (the aortic arch), and then extends down behind the heart and through the chest (the thoracic aorta) and the abdomen areas (the abdominal aorta). The aorta then branches out and becomes the iliac arteries, which provide blood to the pelvis and legs.

Current as of: August 6, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.