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What is the largest artery in the body?

Published in Cardiovascular System 1 min read

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It's a vital blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the circulatory system. The aorta branches out into smaller arteries, delivering blood to various organs and tissues.

Here are some key details about the aorta:

  • Location: The aorta originates from the left ventricle of the heart and extends downwards through the chest and abdomen.
  • Size: The aorta can be about 10 millimeters to 25 millimeters in diameter (approximately 0.4 to 0.9 inches).
  • Function: The aorta's primary function is to transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the entire body.

Important Note: The aorta is crucial for maintaining proper blood flow throughout the body. Aneurysms, bulges in the aorta, can be dangerous if they rupture.