aorta
n. C1 Advanced US //eɪˈɔɹtə// UK //eɪˈɔːtɐ// aor·ta
n. the largest and strongest blood vessel in the body. It carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
n. the largest artery in the human body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and carrying oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation.
The aorta is the main pipe for blood flow.
Doctors use imaging to check the aorta for any signs of narrowing or weakening that could cause a stroke.
The aorta's elastic walls allow it to withstand the high pressure of blood pumped from the heart while maintaining a steady flow to the systemic circulation.
Borrowed from Ancient Greek ἀορτή (aortḗ, “the arteries springing from the heart”), from ἀορτέω (aortéō), lengthened form of ἀείρω (aeírō, “I lift, raise”).