Aorta Thoracic

The thoracic aorta in medicine is called the thorax aorta (Aortah thoracis), consists of three branches that extend along the sides of the chest and the spinal column. It proceeds from the chest cavity into the abdominal cavity, surrounding the large dome of the diaphragm at the back. The artery then passes through the hole in the second costal cartilage, from which it receives the name intercostal. Next it is directed along the anterior surface of the spinal column, where it is called the superficial scapular, and then the axillary. In the axillary fossa it extends to the back of the shoulder.

The dimensions of this artery in adults are (in centimeters): upper border - 5 cm, lower - 20 cm, anterior - 6-9, posterior - 4-7 cm. The posterior border of the upper aorta is considered the location of its origin from the pulmonary trunk, the posterior border of the lower the aorta is the upper border of the adrenal gland, the border of the anterior aorta is the border between the xiphoid process and the tenth rib. The border between the aorta of the pulmonary and systemic circulation runs along the projection lines of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, respectively.

The thoracic part of the aorta is divided into three sections. Each department has its own characteristics of blood supply and innervation. In humans, the thoracic aorta lies transversely. The first part of the thoracic aorta is located behind the esophagus, downward from its intersection with the vertebral column. The goblet-shaped extensions of the first thoracic segment of the aorta are located: laterally - in front of the descending aorta, which takes its origin here or exits through the lateral fissure, medially - in the middle of the ascending aorta. Below this expanded portion transitions into the sixth segment with the first expansion of the second floor.