Ascending aorta
Aorta ascendens
- Latin synonym: Pars ascendens aortae
- Related terms: Ascending aorta (Thoracic aorta)
Definition
The ascending aorta begins at the aortic valve, at the level of the aortic annulus, and ascends approximately 5 cm within the pericardial sac before continuing as the aortic arch.
Branches and anatomy:
The ascending aorta itself gives off no branches along its course.
The right coronary artery and left coronary artery arise from the aortic sinuses (coronary cusps) located just superior to the aortic valve.
These coronary orifices lie behind the right and left coronary cusps, respectively.
Thus, coronary arteries originate from the root of the aorta, not from the tubular ascending aorta.
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