Abdominal aorta

Definition

The abdominal aorta is the portion of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, that runs through the abdomen to supply blood to the abdominal and pelvic organs and the legs. It extends from the diaphragm, where it branches off from the thoracic aorta, down to the lower abdomen where it splits into the two common iliac arteries.

Related terms

Thoracic Aorta: The section of the aorta located in the chest area above the diaphragm, providing blood to the upper body.

Common Iliac Arteries: These are two large arteries that branch off from where the abdominal aorta ends, supplying blood to each leg.

Renal Arteries:

Branches of the abdominal aorta that supply blood to each kidney