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Webster 1913 Edition
Aorta
A-or′ta
,Noun.
[NL., fr. Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] to lift, heave.]
(Anat.)
The great artery which carries the blood from the heart to all parts of the body except the lungs; the main trunk of the arterial system.
☞ In fishes and the early stages of all higher vertebrates the aorta divides near its origin into several branches (the aortic arches) which pass in pairs round the œsophagus and unite to form the systemic aorta. One or more pairs of these arches persist in amphibia and reptiles, but only one arch in birds and mammals, this being on the right side in the former, and on the left in the latter.
Webster 1828 Edition
Aorta
AORT'A
,Noun.
The great artery, or trunk of the arterial system; proceeding from the left ventricle of the heart, and giving origin to all the arteries, except the pulmonary arteries. It first rises, when it is called the ascending aorta; then makes a great curve, when it gives off branches to the head, and upper extremities; then proceeds downwards, called the descending aorta, when it gives off branches to the trunk; and finally divides into the two iliacs, which supply the pelvis and lower extremities.