Learn about the aorta, the largest artery in the body that carries oxygen rich blood from the heart to all major organs and limbs.
About the Aorta
The portion of the aorta in the chest is called the thoracic aorta. It begins at the level of the heart and extends upwards in the anterior chest (aortic root and ascending thoracic aorta), next passes from front to back under the neck (aortic arch), and then descends in the posterior chest adjacent to the spine (descending thoracic aorta). Finally, the aorta continues through the abdomen (abdominal aorta), where at last it splits into two smaller branches (common iliac arteries) that supply the circulation to the lower extremities.
Mass General Receives Highest Possible Rating for Thoracic Surgery
Mass General has earned a distinguished three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and outcomes.
This scientific statement outlines the current state-of-the-art on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and data science in the diagnosis, classification and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
The Heart Transplant Program successfully completed its 750th transplant on Sunday, April 30. Since the hospital’s first heart transplant in 1985, the Heart Transplant Program has grown into the highest annual volume program in New England.