Aorta - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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The aorta is the largest artery in the human body and plays a key role in the circulatory system. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and carries oxygenated blood to other arteries, which then deliver it to the capillaries in tissues and organs throughout the body. The aorta has several parts, including the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta, and it branches into smaller arteries that supply different regions. Understanding the structure and function of the aorta in GCSE Biology helps explain how blood is circulated and how the heart supports the body’s needs.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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