thoracic aorta

thoracic aorta The part of the aorta that lies within the chest. The thoracic aorta starts after the arch of the aorta and runs down to the diaphragm, the great muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. The thoracic aorta gives off numerous branches that supply oxygenated blood to the chest cage and the organs within the chest. Also known as aorta thoracica, aorta thoracalis, and pars thoracalis aortae. See also aorta.