What is the largest artery in the human body?

The largest artery in the human body is the aorta. It begins at the left ventricle of the heart and carries oxygen-rich blood into the body’s systemic circulation. From there, it travels through the chest and abdomen, giving off branches that supply the head, arms, organs, and legs.

The aorta is often described as an arch-shaped vessel with several sections: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending aorta. The descending portion is divided into the thoracic and abdominal aorta. Its thick, elastic walls help it withstand the high pressure produced every time the left ventricle contracts, while also smoothing blood flow between heartbeats.

A common mix-up is the pulmonary artery. It is a major artery, but it carries oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to the lungs, making it an exception to the usual rule that arteries carry oxygen-rich blood. The femoral artery is the main artery of the thigh, and the carotid arteries supply the neck and brain, but neither is as large or central as the aorta.