Abdominal aorta - Heart - Cardiovascular system - e-Anatomy
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Abdominal aorta

Aorta abdominalis

  • Latin synonym: Pars abdominalis aortae
  • Related terms: Descending aorta: Abdominal aorta

Definition

The abdominal aorta is a retroperitoneal structure beginning, as an extension of the thoracic aorta, at the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm. The abdominal aorta gradually diminishes in diameter as it descends the abdomen just left of the midline next to the vertebral bodies. It delivers blood to all the abdominopelvic organs and structures. At approximately the level of L4, the abdominal aorta bifurcates into the right and left common iliac arteries.

References

SECTIONAL ANATOMY FOR IMAGING PROFESSIONALS, ISBN: 978-0-323-41487-6; Lorrie L. Kelley, Connie, M. Petersen. Fourth edition. 2018, Elsevier Inc

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