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Anatomy of the Aorta


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The largest artery in the body is the aorta, which is attached to the heart and receives blood directly from the left ventricle, or main pumping chamber.

The aorta is divided into four parts: the ascending aorta, aortic arch, thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta.

The abdominal aorta is the last and largest section of the aorta. It supplies blood to the lower regions of your body, including the organs in the abdomen and pelvis.

The abdominal aorta ends around navel level, where it splits into the two iliac arteries that carry blood to the legs.