Thoracic aorta
Aorta thoracica
- Latin synonym: Pars thoracica aortae descendens
- Synonym: Thoracic part of descending aorta
Definition
The thoracic aorta (Thoracic part of descending aorta) in veterinary anatomy refers to the segment of the aorta located within the thoracic cavity, extending from the aortic arch to the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm. It is a major arterial vessel that distributes oxygenated blood from the heart to the thoracic wall, lungs (via bronchial branches), esophagus, and other nearby structures.
Origin: Continues from the aortic arch, just distal to the origin of the brachiocephalic trunk and left subclavian artery.
Course: Travels caudally along the dorsal aspect of the thoracic cavity, typically lying to the left of the vertebral column.
Branches (vary slightly by species but generally include):
Bronchoesophageal artery
Dorsal intercostal arteries
Esophageal branches
Occasionally small pericardial and mediastinal branches
For some authors, notably in human anatomy, the thoracic aorta includes the aortic bulb, ascending aorta and aortic arch.
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