Which part of the aorta continues downward through the thorax?

Study for the Ivy Tech Anatomy and Physiology II Heart Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with helpful hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam and bolster your understanding of heart anatomy and physiology!

Multiple Choice

Which part of the aorta continues downward through the thorax?

Explanation:
The descending aorta is the part that continues downward through the thorax. After the aorta leaves the left ventricle, it rises briefly (ascending aorta), then curves over the heart as the aortic arch, and then continues downward as the descending thoracic (or simply descending) aorta through the chest. It eventually passes through the diaphragm and becomes the abdominal aorta. The pulmonary trunk is a separate vessel of the pulmonary circulation, not part of the aorta, and the ascending aorta and aortic arch do not run downward through the thorax.

The descending aorta is the part that continues downward through the thorax. After the aorta leaves the left ventricle, it rises briefly (ascending aorta), then curves over the heart as the aortic arch, and then continues downward as the descending thoracic (or simply descending) aorta through the chest. It eventually passes through the diaphragm and becomes the abdominal aorta. The pulmonary trunk is a separate vessel of the pulmonary circulation, not part of the aorta, and the ascending aorta and aortic arch do not run downward through the thorax.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy