The aorta carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the rest of the body. It is the largest artery in the body, measuring more than 1 inch across in some places. Any blockage or ...
An aortic dissection happens when tears appear in the inner lining of the aorta, which is the main artery leaving the heart. Blood surges into the tears, causing the aorta lining to split, or dissect.