The abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the abdomen that provides blood to the organs and tissues of the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. It descends from the thorax as a continuation of the thoracic aorta and branches several times to form the major arteries of the abdomen.
The abdominal aorta is about an inch in diameter and extends along the entire length of the abdomen, from the diaphragm to the pelvis. It enters the abdomen through a small opening at the posterior end of the diaphragm, just anterior to the spinal column. From this point, it descends along the spine parallel to the inferior vena cava until it reaches the pelvis, where it divides into the right and left common iliac arteries.
Many major arteries branch from the abdominal aorta to provide blood flow to the vital organs of the abdomen. Its visceral branches provide blood to organs, while its parietal branches supply blood to the tissues of the abdominal body wall.
The abdominal aorta is made of three distinct layers surrounding the lumen, or hollow center of the artery. The tunica intima is the innermost layer that is in contact with the lumen and the blood passing through it. It is made of endothelium, a specific type of stratified squamous epithelial cells that maintain the integrity of the vessel walls. Epithelium plays an important role in preventing blood cells from leaking out of the artery or sticking to the walls and forming clots. The next layer, the tunica media, is much thicker than the tunica intima and contains many elastin fibers and smooth muscle tissue. These structures work together to give the artery strength and elasticity and the ability to contract to help propel blood through the body. Finally, the tunica externa forms the outermost layer of the abdominal aorta and is made of dense irregular connective tissue containing many collagen fibers. This tissue gives the artery a strong but flexible outer coat and helps to attach the abdominal aorta to the surrounding tissues.
The abdominal aorta provides all of the oxygenated blood to the tissues and organs of the abdomen as well as to the pelvis and lower limbs. It is an elastic artery, meaning that it has many elastic fibers in its walls that are able to expand to accommodate the large volume of blood pumped into the abdomen by the heart. These elastic fibers contract following each heartbeat to help propel blood away from the heart and toward organs and tissues. Oxygenated blood provides vital oxygen and nutrients to maintain the health and metabolism of the body's cells.