The aorta originates at the left ventricle above the aortic valve, travels upward (ascending thoracic aorta) to the first branch of the aorta (brachiocephalic or innominate artery), arches up and behind the heart (aortic arch), then turns downward distal to the left subclavian artery (descending aorta) through the thorax (thoracic aorta) and abdomen (abdominal aorta). The abdominal aorta ends by dividing into the right and left common iliac arteries.
This image shows the ascending thoracic aorta (red arrow) arising from the left ventricle (blue arrow).
© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.
This image shows the abdominal aorta (red arrow) dividing into the right (blue arrow) and left (green arrow) common iliac arteries.
© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.
This image shows the ascending thoracic aorta (red arrow) with descending thoracic aorta (blue arrow). The main pulmonary artery (green arrow) divides into the right (purple arrow) and left (yellow arrow) pulmonary artery.
© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.
The white arrow shows an endovascular stent graft within an abdominal aneurysm (red arrow).
© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.
The wall of the aorta is composed of three layers:
Intima: A thin layer lined with endothelium
Media: A thick layer of elastic fibers arranged in spiral formation
Adventitia: A thin fibrous layer containing the nutrients for the media
Aneurysms are abnormal dilations of arteries defined as a ≥ 50% increase in arterial diameter compared with normal segments. They are caused by weakening of the arterial wall, specifically, the media. True aneurysms involve all 3 layers of the artery (intima, media, and adventitia). Aneurysmal disease is not usually a focal problem (eg, often resulting from multiple factors) and can extend along the aorta with time.
A pseudoaneurysm (false aneurysm) is a communication between the arterial lumen and overlying connective tissue resulting from arterial rupture; a blood-filled cavity forms outside the vessel wall and seals the leak as it thromboses.
Aneurysms are classified as
Fusiform: Circumferential widening of the artery
Saccular: Localized, typically asymmetric, outpouchings of the artery wall
Layered (laminated) thrombus may line the walls of either type as the result of alterations in flow within the aneurysmal segment.
Aneurysms may occur in any artery. The most common and significant are
Aneurysms of the major aortic branches Aortic Branch Aneurysms Aneurysms may occur in any major aortic branch; such aneurysms are much less common than abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysms. Symptoms vary depending on the location and artery affected but... read more (subclavian and splanchnic arteries) are much less common. Aneurysms of peripheral arteries Peripheral Arterial Aneurysms Peripheral arterial aneurysms are abnormal dilations of the peripheral arteries caused by weakening of the arterial wall. (See also Aneurysms.) About 70% of peripheral arterial aneurysms are... read more and the cerebrovascular system (causing stroke Overview of Stroke Strokes are a heterogeneous group of disorders involving sudden, focal interruption of cerebral blood flow that causes neurologic deficit. Strokes can be Ischemic (80%), typically resulting... read more 
) are discussed elsewhere.
