Artery · Heart & chest
Aorta
The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It carries oxygen-rich blood straight from the heart and arches over it before running down through the chest and abdomen, branching to supply the whole body.
What it is
The aorta is the main artery of the body, about the width of a garden hose, leaving the heart's main pumping chamber.
Where it runs
Rising from the top of the heart, arching over it, then running down through the chest and abdomen.
What it does
Carries oxygen-rich blood out of the heart and distributes it, through its many branches, to every organ and tissue.
When things go wrong
Common problems affecting the aorta
- Aortic aneurysm (a bulge that can burst — a life-threatening emergency)
- Aortic dissection (a tear in the wall)
- Narrowing or hardening (atherosclerosis)
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms and is not a diagnosis. Sudden severe chest, back or abdominal pain, sudden breathlessness, or stroke symptoms (FAST) are emergencies — call 999.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The aorta is the widest blood vessel in the body and withstands the full force of every heartbeat throughout life.
Answers
Aorta: frequently asked questions
What does the aorta do?
The aorta is the body's main artery — it carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart and branches to supply the whole body.
What is an aortic aneurysm?
It is a bulge in the wall of the aorta that can grow and, if it bursts, causes life-threatening bleeding. Sudden severe chest, back or abdominal pain is an emergency — call 999.
Related vessels
Other artery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Blood and the circulatory system
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- British Heart Foundation — how the heart works
Building an anatomy or patient-education resource?
We create clear, accurate, referenced medical reference content for teams and learners.