Hello everyone and welcome back to another week of #AortaEd! Today is Topic Tuesday where we break down some interesting facts about our favorite organ. I wanted to take today to talk to you a little bit about the anatomy of the aortic root!
The root is the most "proximal" or closest region of the aorta which connects directly to the heart's large pumping chambers.
It has several important components which are critical for surgeons and doctors to consider when evaluating aortic disease.
Firstly, the aortic root includes the aortic valve which opens and closes during the cardiac cycle to direct blood into the aorta.
Closely related to the aortic valve are the "Sinuses of Valsalva." These are small dilations just above the aortic valve that help provide adequate space for the leaflets to expand to open.
Another important function of the Sinuses of Valsalva is that they help direct blood flow into the coronary arteries, which supply surface of the heart. When performing aortic root surgery, surgeons must be diligent as they safely cut and re-implant the right and left coronary arteries:
The final part of the aortic root is the sinotubular junction which is the highest point of the root. It marks the transition between the aortic root and the beginning of the ascending aorta.
The aortic root is commonly involved in thoracic aortic aneurysms because it is an area under constantly high pressure. As your heart generates enough pressure to drive oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body, your aortic root must be strong enough to withstand this pressure load but also stretchy and elastic enough to expand and accommodate the large blood volume flowing its way.
It is an incredibly beautiful anatomical structure! That's it for this week. We will see you next time for more Aorta Ed on Topic Tuesday! Until then, stay happy. Stay safe. And stay Thinking Aorta!
Adham
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