Aortic root

The aortic root is the first part of the aorta and connects the heart to the systemic circulation.

Gross anatomy

The aortic root lies between the junction of the aortic valve and ascending aorta. It has several subparts :

  • three aortic valve leaflets and leaflet attachments
  • three aortic sinuses of Valsalva: intraluminal space formed by the cusps
    • right and left contain coronary aorta ostia, with a third non-coronary aortic sinus located posteriorly
  • three interleaflet trigones: space between the cusps and the annulus
  • sinotubular junction, which divides the aortic root from the ascending aorta

All the components of the aortic root coordinate their functions to produce an effect that manages coronary perfusion and left ventricular function and specific flow characteristics .

Relations

Dimensions

The average aortic diameter at the sinuses of Valsalva is often taken as 3.0 cm ± 0.5.

Related pathology