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The first section, attaching directly to the heart's left ventricle and containing the aortic valve , which prevents blood from leaking back into the heart.

Rises upward from the heart, providing oxygenated blood to the heart muscle itself via the coronary arteries.

The aorta is roughly 1 foot long and about an inch in diameter at its widest point, with a three-layered wall structure designed for both strength and elasticity. Aorrta

Curves over the heart, giving off branches that supply the brain, head, neck, and arms.

High blood pressure (hypertension), smoking, high cholesterol, and genetic connective tissue disorders (like Marfan syndrome) increase the risk of aortic failure. When to Seek Help The first section, attaching directly to the heart's

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Travels down behind the heart through the chest ( thoracic aorta ) and abdomen ( abdominal aorta ) before splitting into the iliac arteries to supply the legs. Functions Curves over the heart, giving off branches that

The accumulation of plaque in the artery walls, which narrows the lumen and weakens the aorta.