Aorta

The aorta is the largest artery in the body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart. It distributes oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation under high pressure. Its structure includes a thick, elastic wall with three layers (tunica intima, media, adventitia) that allow it to withstand and smooth out the pulsatile flow from the heart. Diseases like aneurysms and atherosclerosis primarily affect the aorta.