Today is Topic Tuesday at Aortic Hope.
❤️Here at the Aortic Hope family, we are constantly reminded to Think Aorta and identify the early signs and symptoms of an aortic aneurysm to facilitate early medical check-ups. However, have you ever wondered what exactly the aorta is?
🗓️This week, we share a wonderful review article from the Cleveland Clinic summarizing facts about the largest artery in the body!
🫀The aorta is a cane-shaped vessel that starts in the lower left chamber of the heart (called the left ventricle) that extends upward in a curved fashion before descending down the body. Like all arteries, its main function is to carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body’s organs and tissues.
🤔On average, the aorta can be up to 1 foot long and 1 inch in diameter at its widest point. As it travels down to your pelvis, it narrows to almost two centimeters.
❤️It gives off branches to your brain called the great vessels, as well as branches to your abdominal organs and kidneys. It eventually separates into two common iliac arteries which travel to your legs.
🫀The aorta actually contains three layers of tissues. As the article describes they are:
-The inner tunica intima layer
-The middle tunica media layer
-The outer tunica adventitia layer
❓Did you know that a “true” aortic aneurysm involves ALL three of these layers, while a pseudo-aneurysm contains less than three?
🤔Think you can memorize all three layers? We will be testing you soon!
Here is a link to the article for the rest of the details.
As always, our family at Aortic Hope thanks you for being on this journey with us. Be safe and happy and remember to always Think Aorta Think Family! Until next time. ~Adham Ahmed