parents

Dictionary: Aorta

aorta (ay-OR-tah): The aorta is the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.

Two diagrams show the position of the heart in the body and a close-up of a healthy heart. Blood flows unrestricted from the heart through the aorta and on to the body.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

A KidsHealth Education Partner Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.