GROSS ANATOMY OF BLOOD VESSELS

• Aorta - largest artery in the human body; leaves from the left ventricle
• Regions of the aorta:

  • Ascending aorta - leaves the left ventricle
  • Aortic arch - arches to the left
  • Thoracic aorta - travels downward through the thorax
  • Abdominal aorta - passes through the diaphragm into the abdominopelvic cavity