Descending aorta

The descending aorta is the continuation of the aortic arch that travels caudally along the vertebral column, distributing oxygenated blood to the thoracic and abdominal regions. In veterinary anatomy, it is divided into two segments: the thoracic aorta (cranial part) and the abdominal aorta (caudal part), terminating by branching into the iliac arteries.

It supplies major visceral and parietal branches that nourish the intercostal spaces, lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, abdominal organs, and lumbar muscles.