Definition

Noun: - The section of the aorta that lies within the chest cavity: The thoracic aorta is the part of the descending aorta that passes through the thorax (chest), supplying blood to structures there before continuing into the abdomen.

Usage

The term "thoracic aorta" is used specifically in medical and anatomical contexts to describe the location and function of this major artery. - The surgeon repaired a tear in the patient's thoracic aorta. - Aortic dissections are often classified based on whether they involve the thoracic aorta.

Advanced Usage

• "Thoracic aortic aneurysm": A pathological bulging or enlargement of the thoracic aorta.
  • Screening is recommended for individuals at risk of a thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Variants and Related Words

• Aorta (n): The main and largest artery in the body, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart.
• Abdominal aorta (n): The section of the descending aorta that lies in the abdomen, below the diaphragm.
• Descending aorta (n): The part of the aorta that extends downward from the aortic arch; it is subdivided into the thoracic and abdominal aorta.

Synonyms

• Thoracic part of the aorta: A more descriptive synonym used in detailed anatomical description.

Noun

1. a branch of the descending aorta; divides into the iliac arteries