aorta

aor·ta

noun \ā-ˈȯr-tə\

plural aor·tas or aor·tae\-tē\

Definition of AORTA

: the great arterial trunk that carries blood from the heart to be distributed by branch arteries through the body — see heart illustration

— aor·tic \-ˈȯr-tik\ adjective

Origin of AORTA

New Latin, from Greek aortē, from aeirein to lift

First Known Use: 1543

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

aor·ta

noun \ā-ˈȯrt-ə\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; aor·tasor ; aor·tae \-ē\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of AORTA

: the large arterial trunk that carries blood from the heart to be distributed by branch arteries through the body

Illustration of AORTA

aorta

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Artery that carries blood from the heart to all the organs and structures of the body. Where the left ventricle opens into the aorta, a valve prevents backflow of blood into the heart. The aorta ascends from the heart, arches over it to the left, then descends into the trunk. Arteries branch off along its length until it divides at hip level into arteries that go to the legs.