WordNet
n. a branch of the descending aorta; divides into the iliac arteries
Wikipedia
The thoracic aorta is a part of the aorta located in the thorax. It is a continuation of the descending aorta and contained in the posterior mediastinal cavity. The thoracic aorta begins at the lower border of the fourth thoracic vertebra where it is continuous with the aortic arch, and ends in front of the lower border of the twelfth thoracic vertebra, at the aortic hiatus in the diaphragm where it becomes the abdominal aorta.
At its commencement, it is situated on the left of the vertebral column; it approaches the median line as it descends; and, at its termination, lies directly in front of the column.
The thoracic aorta has a curved shape that faces forward, and has small branches. It has a radius of approximately 1.16 cm.
Usage examples of "thoracic aorta".
She felt it travel easily through a pocket of fatty tissue, catch slightly on the denser muscles beneath, then tremble with a subtle change in resistance as it pierced the wall of the thoracic aorta.