Abdominal aorta

In human anatomy, the abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the abdominal cavity. As part of the aorta, it is a direct continuation of the descending aorta (of the thorax).^[1]

This article uses anatomical terminology.

Abdominal aorta

Thoracic aorta

Celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, common iliac, ovarian artery, median sacral artery

Inferior vena cava

aorta abdominalis,
pars abdominalis aortae

Above the level of the , the aorta is somewhat posterior to the IVC, sending the right renal artery travelling behind it. The IVC likewise sends its opposite side counterpart, the left renal vein, crossing in front of the aorta.

umbilicus

Below the level of the umbilicus, the situation is generally reversed, with the aorta sending its right to cross its opposite side counterpart (the left common iliac vein) anteriorly.

common iliac artery

Contrast enhanced MRA of the abdominal aorta demonstrating normal paired arteries.

The celiac artery and its branches; the stomach has been raised and the peritoneum removed.

Transverse section through the middle of the first lumbar vertebra, showing the relations of the pancreas.

CT scan showing the liver and a kidney

A transverse contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 by 3.8 cm

The standard aortic measurement on abdominal ultrasonography, such as used for abdominal aortic aneurysms, is between the outer margins of the aortic wall.^[3]

Abdominal aorta

Abdominal aorta

Source

Branches

Vein

Latin

MeSH

TA98

TA2

FMA

umbilicus

common iliac artery

Cardiovascular system

Nutcracker syndrome

Aortocaval compression syndrome

UCC