Considerations on structural organization of the aorta

Abstract

Background: This article deals with a number of structural features of the human aorta which arouse great interest for clinicians recently. The following items were highlighted: a) the dependence of the aortic morphology upon the constitutional body types; b) the impact of aortic structural features on its affections; c) functional anatomy of the fat pads; d) glomic structures of the aorta; e) location of the reflexogenic areas of the aorta; f) some specific features of aortic syntopy; i) urgent need to improve terminology. Material and methods: The study was performed on subjects coming to autopsy not more than 24 hours after death. Their mean age was from 16-week fetuses up to 96 years. A number of research methods have been used: morphometry, histological examination, immunohistochemical method, coloring with Schiff reagent, injectional investigation and anatomical preparation. A total of 354 human aortas were examined: 109 of them were selected for morphometry; 40 - for histological examination, 40 – for coloring with Schiff reagent, 20 – for injectional investigation; 69 mediastinal complexes were subjected to anatomical preparation. The presence of the lymph vessels in the wall of the aorta was confirmed by means of immunohistochemical method. results: Dependent and non-dependent gender, age and body type characteristics of the aorta was revealed. Special attention was paid to applied aspects of clinical importance related to the ascending aorta and aortic arch. conclusions: Relationship between aortic morphology and body types was revealed. The variability of the shape, size, location and contents of the fat body of ascending aorta was described. Macroscopic and microscopic structural specific features of the aorta were studied from the point of application.