An aortic aneurysm is the dilatation (widening or bulge) of a portion of the aorta, usually at a weak spot in the aortic wall. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It carries all the blood that is pumped out of the heart and distributes it, via its many branches, to all the organs of the body. The aorta projects upwards from the heart in the chest and then
arches downwards, travelling through the chest (the thoracic aorta) and into the abdomen (the abdominal aorta). The normal diameter of the abdominal aorta is about one inch.
This web site is intended for your own informational purposes only. No person or entity associated with these web pages purports to be engaging in the practice of medicine through this medium. The information you acquire is not intended to be the
advice of a physician or other health care professional. If you have an illness or medical problem, contact your doctor or health care supplier
Medical Definitions, Medical Pictures and
Medical Information
