Aorta Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aorta

[ษ™หˆษ”หrtษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

The aorta is the largest artery in the body, responsible for transporting oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It emerges from the left ventricle of the heart and is divided into several sections, including the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta. The aorta plays a critical role in the circulatory system, as it supplies blood to vital organs and tissues. Damage or disease affecting the aorta can lead to serious health complications, emphasizing its importance in cardiovascular health.

Examples of usage

  • The aorta carries blood away from the heart.
  • An aortic aneurysm can be life-threatening.
  • Doctors monitor aorta health in patients with heart conditions.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Anatomy and Physiology

  • The aorta is the largest artery in the human body, measuring about an inch in diameter in adults.
  • It extends from the left ventricle of the heart and has several branches that supply blood to the head, arms, and legs.
  • Damage to the aorta can lead to serious health problems like an aortic aneurysm, which is a dangerous bulge in the artery.

Medical Science

  • Doctors sometimes use imaging techniques like ultrasound and MRI to examine the aorta for any abnormalities.
  • Surgical procedures, such as grafting, can repair a damaged aorta to restore normal blood flow.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, the heart and the aorta are seen as symbols of life and vitality due to their crucial role in the circulatory system.
  • Heart health awareness campaigns often emphasize the importance of understanding the aorta and maintaining cardiovascular health.

Interesting Facts

  • The aorta is divided into several parts: the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta, each serving specific areas of the body.
  • Animals have a similar structure, although the size and shape of the aorta can vary significantly among species.

Origin of 'aorta'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'aorta' comes from the Greek word 'aortฤ“,' meaning 'to lift' or 'to raise,' highlighting its role in carrying blood.
  • In Latin, it is referred to as 'aorta,' which retains the same meaning and function as in Greek.

The term 'aorta' comes from the ancient Greek word 'แผ€ฮฟฯฯ„ฮฎ' (aortฤ“), meaning 'to lift up' or 'to stretch out.' This etymological root reflects the aorta's function as a major conduit for blood being expelled from the heart. In Latin, the word was adapted as 'aorta,' which retained the meaning associated with the vessel's role in the circulatory system. Historically, the aorta was first described in detail by the Greek physician Galen, whose works on anatomy heavily influenced the understanding of human physiology for centuries. As anatomical knowledge progressed during the Renaissance, the aorta's structure and function became clearer, leading to advances in medical practice and surgical techniques. Today, understanding the aorta's anatomy and function is crucial in cardiology and surgery, as its integrity is vital for overall health.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,119, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.