Aorta

The aorta is the body’s largest artery, carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the systemic circulation. Its sections branch to supply the head, arms, trunk, and legs.

Aortic valve: The valve between the left ventricle and aorta, preventing blood from flowing backward into the heart. It opens for blood entering the aorta and closes when the ventricle relaxes.
Left ventricle: The heart chamber that pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta. It supplies the pressure and blood that enter the aorta.
Aortic aneurysm: An abnormal enlargement of a section of the aorta caused by weakening of its wall. The aorta's size and wall stress make aneurysm a major clinical concern.
Aortic root: The first portion of the aorta, including the aortic valve and the origins of the coronary arteries. This region connects the left ventricle to the ascending aorta.
Pulmonary artery: An artery that carries blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation. Unlike the aorta, it carries blood toward the lungs rather than the systemic circulation.
Aortic arch: The curved section of the aorta that gives rise to major arteries supplying the head, neck, and arms. Its branches carry blood from the aorta to the upper body.
Artery: A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart. The aorta is the largest and most central artery.
Aortic dissection: A tear in the aortic inner layer that lets blood separate layers of the vessel wall. It is a dangerous emergency involving the aorta's wall.
Ascending aorta: The section of the aorta that rises from the heart before curving into the aortic arch. It is the first major segment blood traverses after leaving the left ventricle.
Pulmonary vein: A vein that carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium. It returns oxygenated blood to the heart, while the aorta carries it away.

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