3D CONTENT
3D HEART ANATOMY

ROOT OF AORTA

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
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Root of aorta anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing aortic valve and left ventricular outflow tract
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Root of Aorta - Overview, Preview from the app.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ROOT OF AORTA

  • Initial segment of aorta emerging from left ventricle
  • Encompasses portion of left ventricular outflow tract
  • Supports aortic valve leaflets
  • Components:
    • Aortic valve leaflets
    • Sinuses of Valsalva
    • Interleaflet triangles
    • Supravalvular ridge
  • Facilitates efficient blood flow into systemic circulation

AORTIC VALVE

Aortic valve 360-degree interactive viewer showing semilunar valve structure between left ventricle and ascending aorta
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Aortic Valve, Preview from the app.

  • Semilunar valve between left ventricle and ascending aorta
  • Regulates blood flow from heart into aorta
  • Delivers oxygen-rich blood to body
  • Prevents backflow into left ventricle during diastole
  • Consists of three crescent-shaped leaflets:
    • Right coronary leaflet
    • Left coronary leaflet
    • Noncoronary leaflet

AORTIC ORIFICE

Aortic orifice showing the opening through which blood exits left ventricle, guarded by three aortic valve leaflets
Root of Aorta Overview - Sourced from the app 3D HEART ANATOMY
  • Opening through which blood exits left ventricle
  • Guarded by three aortic valve leaflets
  • Leaflets open and close with each heartbeat
  • Maintains proper blood flow direction

AORTIC VALVE LEAFLETS

Aortic valve leaflets 360-degree interactive viewer showing right coronary, left coronary, and noncoronary leaflets
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Aortic Valve Leaflets, Preview from the app.

Right Coronary Leaflet

  • Associated with right coronary artery
  • Gives rise to right coronary artery origin

Left Coronary Leaflet

  • Associated with left coronary artery
  • Gives rise to left coronary artery origin

Noncoronary Leaflet

  • Not associated with coronary artery
  • Essential for completing valve structure
  • Contributes to valve function

AORTIC SINUSES

Aortic sinuses 360-degree interactive viewer showing sinuses of Valsalva above aortic valve leaflets
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Aortic Sinuses (Sinuses of Valsalva), Preview from the app.

  • Also known as sinuses of Valsalva
  • Three small dilations of aortic wall
  • Located just above aortic valve leaflets
  • Composed of elastic tissue
  • Positioned behind each valve leaflet
  • Functions:
    • Assist in valve closure
    • Facilitate coronary artery blood flow

Named According to Coronary Artery Association

Right Coronary Sinus
  • Gives rise to right coronary artery
Left Coronary Sinus
  • Gives rise to left coronary artery
Noncoronary Sinus
  • Does not give rise to coronary artery

INTERLEAFLET TRIANGLES

Interleaflet triangles 360-degree interactive viewer showing fibrous structures between aortic valve leaflet attachments
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Interleaflet Triangles, Preview from the app.

  • Fibrous structures between aortic valve leaflet attachments
  • Triangular areas where adjacent leaflets meet
  • Integral to aortic root structural integrity
  • Allow flexibility of valve leaflets
  • Enable proper leaflet movement during cardiac cycle
  • Contribute to efficient valve opening and closing

SUPRAVALVULAR RIDGE

Supravalvular ridge 360-degree interactive viewer showing fibrous ring at junction of aortic root and ascending aorta
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Supravalvular Ridge, Preview from the app.

  • Fibrous ring at junction of aortic root and ascending aorta
  • Marks transition to ascending aorta
  • Provides structural support
  • Maintains aortic integrity as vessel courses upward

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell AWM. Gray's Anatomy for Students. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2020. Chapter 3: Thorax.

2. Standring S, editor. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier; 2021. p. 996-1046.

3. Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2018. p. 127-162.

QUICK FACTS: ROOT OF AORTA

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: Which chamber of the heart does the root of aorta emerge from?

Answer: Left ventricle. The root of aorta is the initial segment of the aorta that emerges from the left ventricle, encompassing the left ventricular outflow tract.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a component of the root of aorta?

Answer: Pulmonary trunk. The root of aorta consists of aortic valve leaflets, sinuses of Valsalva, interleaflet triangles, and supravalvular ridge. The pulmonary trunk is a separate structure.

Q: What type of valve is the aortic valve?

Answer: Semilunar valve. The aortic valve is a semilunar valve located between the left ventricle and the ascending aorta, consisting of three crescent-shaped leaflets.

Q: When does the aortic valve prevent backflow into the left ventricle?

Answer: During diastole. The aortic valve prevents backflow of blood into the left ventricle during diastole, ensuring unidirectional blood flow into the aorta.

Q: How many leaflets does the aortic valve have?

Answer: Three. The aortic valve consists of three crescent-shaped leaflets: the right coronary leaflet, left coronary leaflet, and noncoronary leaflet.

Want to test yourself? Try the interactive quiz above!

⋮⋮ Root of Aorta Quiz
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