What is the aorta and what are the systemic arteries?
The aorta and the systemic arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood and enriched nutrients from the heart to all other organs and tissues within the human body.
The aorta
The aorta is the ultimate arterial vessel of the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart, through an opening (regulated by the aortic valve), rises upward a short distance (known as “ascending aorta) and then sags back down to form the aortic arch (or systemic arch). It continues to form the descending aorta, which is composed of two portions, the thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta, and then stops in front of the fourth lumbar vertebra, where it bifurcates into two common iliac arteries. It has a capacity of four liters per minute.
The systemic arteries
The systemic arteries are blood vessels that derive from the aorta and are responsible for transporting oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to all other organs and tissues within the body. The chest and abdomen, crossed from the aorta, receive blood directly from its many side branches, while the more peripheral parts of the body (head, neck, pelvis, upper and lower limbs) receive blood from the large arteries issued from the aorta itself (humeral artery, femoral artery, carotid artery, etc.)
They are part of the systemic circulation (or “heavy traffic”) which is the system of blood vessels that connect the heart to all organs and tissues of the body (heart-tissue-heart circulation). This type of circulation is part of the left ventricle of the heart and reaches the entire body by bringing oxygenated blood to the organs and tissues and returning deoxygenated blood and waste products back to the heart to be transformed.
The blood route of the largest circulation ends in the right atrium of the heart, where all the blood flows into. Through the pulmonary circulation (or small circulation), deoxygenated blood and waste products of all organs and tissues of the body are driven away from the heart, directed to the lungs, and returned back to the heart with oxygenated blood, as in a virtuous circle.
Certain complications of the aorta may ultimately lead to blockage of blood vessels. These blockages limit blood flow to the rest of the body, which can eventually lead to swelling and even an aneurysm.
Conditions associated with the aorta include the following:
- Aortic birth defects
- Aortic arch syndrome
- Atherosclerosis
- Coartacation of the aorta
Seeking treatment from a medical professional is essential in order to determine the correct diagnosis and further decide upon the most appropriate form of treatment, depending on the individual’s condition, their overall health as well as their own preferences.
What functions do the aorta and the systemic arteries serve?
The function of the aorta and systemic arteries is to carry oxygenated blood from the heart to all other tissues and organs of the body. These blood vessels are extremely important in delivering oxygen and nutrients to all cells and tissues, as well as removing carbon dioxide and waste products.
