Descending (thoracic) aorta (Aorta thoracica)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
Crosses the posterior mediastinum behind the heart and oesophagus to the aortic hiatus at T12; its posterior intercostal, bronchial and superior phrenic branches supply the chest wall, lungs and oesophagus.
Clinical notes
Tear just distal to the ligamentum arteriosum in deceleration trauma is the classic traumatic aortic injury; rare compression of the oesophagus causes dysphagia.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Descending (thoracic) aorta?
Crosses the posterior mediastinum behind the heart and oesophagus to the aortic hiatus at T12; its posterior intercostal, bronchial and superior phrenic branches supply the chest wall, lungs and oesophagus.
Why is the Descending (thoracic) aorta clinically important?
Tear just distal to the ligamentum arteriosum in deceleration trauma is the classic traumatic aortic injury; rare compression of the oesophagus causes dysphagia.
Source & license
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