How Do You Spell AORTA?

Pronunciation: [e͡ɪˈɔːtə] (IPA)

The word "aorta" is spelled with the letters A-O-R-T-A. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is transcribed as /eɪˈɔːtə/. The first syllable is pronounced as the long "a" sound, which is represented by the symbol /eɪ/. The second syllable contains the the vowel sound /ɔː/, followed by the "t" sound represented by the symbol /t/, and finally the "uh" sound represented by the symbol /ə/. Together, these sounds form the word "aorta," which refers to the main artery in the human body.

AORTA Meaning and Definition

  1. The aorta is the largest artery in the body that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to all other parts of the body. It emerges directly from the left ventricle of the heart and forms an arch, giving rise to several major branches, before descending down towards the abdomen. It is an essential part of the circulatory system, serving as the main conduit for oxygen-rich blood distribution to various organs and tissues.

    The structure of the aorta consists of three layers: the inner layer known as the intima, the middle layer called media, and the outer layer referred to as adventitia. These layers provide strength, flexibility, and protection to the artery. The intima comes into direct contact with the blood, assisting in maintaining the smooth, uninterrupted flow of blood.

    The aorta divides into various branches that supply oxygenated blood to different regions of the body. These branches include the coronary arteries, which nourish the heart muscle, and the cerebral arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Moreover, the aorta branches off to the upper and lower extremities, visceral organs, and other systemic structures.

    Any dysfunction, degeneration, or blockage in the aorta can lead to severe health consequences. Aortic aneurysms, a condition characterized by the weakening and bulging of the arterial wall, can pose a life-threatening risk if left untreated. Similarly, aortic dissections, a tear in the arterial wall, are considered medical emergencies that require immediate attention due to the potential for internal bleeding and organ damage.

  2. The main trunk of the systemic arterial system, arising from the base of the left ventricle; the thoracic aorta is divided into the ascending portion, the arch, and the descending portion; at the diaphragm it becomes the abdominal aorta and bifurcates at the left side of the body of the fourth lumbar vertebra into the right and left common iliac arteries.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. In the human body, the great or trunk artery.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for AORTA

Etymology of AORTA

The word "aorta" has its origin in ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "aortē", which means "what is hung up" or "what is suspended". This term was used by Greek anatomists to describe the main artery in the body because it seemed to them like a suspended pipe or a vessel. Over time, the word "aortē" evolved into "aorta" in Latin, and it has been used to refer to this major artery ever since.

Plural form of AORTA is AORTAE OR AORTAS

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