The thoracic aorta and its branches are protected by the bone and muscular structures of the thorax.
41+ Thoracic Aorta Branches Anatomy. General anatomy of the aorta. The branches of the thoracic aorta can be divided into visceral branches, intended largely for the organs of the mediastinum, and parietal the terminal branches of the abdominal aorta, the left and right common iliac arteries, arise from the bifurcation in front of the body of l4 vertebra about 1.25 cm.
The aorta originates from the left ventricle of the heart. It ends in the abdomen where it branches into the two common iliac arteries. Variation in branching of the aortic arch.
They arise near the commencement of the aorta immediately above the attached margins of the semilunar valves.
Webmd's aorta anatomy page provides a detailed image and definition of the aorta. Thoracic aorta the thoracic aorta, viewed from the left side. This video covers the anatomy and branches of the thoracic (descending) aorta. Anatomy next provides anatomy learning tools for students and teachers.