Aorta Basics

Question 1

What is the diameter of the aorta at its origin, thorax and abdomen?

Answer 1

O- 3cm
T- 2.5 cm
A- 1cm

Question 2

What are the three layers of the aorta

Answer 2

Intima: Inner most thin flexible layer of epithelial tissue
Tunica Media: Smooth muscle
Adventitia: Connective tissue.

Question 3

What does high pulsitile pressure and shear stress do to the aorta?

Answer 3

Produce injury

Question 4

What happens to the aorta during systole vs diastole?

Answer 4

Systole: expands
Diastole: recoils

Question 5

What is the difference between an aneurysm and psedoaneurysm

Answer 5

Aneurysm involves all three layers of the aorta
Pseudo tear is through the intima and media layers and is lined by the externa

Question 6

Describe a fusiform aneurysm

Answer 6

Entire circumference of the artery is bulging

Question 7

Describe a secular aneurysm

Answer 7

Out pouching of the vessel

Question 8

What happens in an aortic aneurysm

Answer 8

Degradation of elastin and collagen

Question 9

What degenerative conditions cause aortic aneurysms

Answer 9

Hypertension and athlerosclerosis

Question 10

What genetic conditions cause aortic aneurysms

Answer 10

Marfan’s, turner’s syndrom

Question 11

What infections can cause aortic aneurysms

Answer 11

Syphilis, strep, staph, salmonella

Question 12

What kind of trauma can cause an aortic aneurysm

Answer 12

Penetrating or non-penetrating trauma