The blood is pumped from the left ventricle into the aorta and from there branches to all parts of the body.The aorta is divided into three parts: the ascending aorta (where the aorta initially leaves the heart and points toward the head), the arch of the aorta (where the aorta changes direction), and the descending aorta (where the aorta points toward the feet).The ascending aorta has two small branches, the left and right coronary arteries, that provide blood to the heart muscle.The arch of the aorta has three branches: the brachiocephalic artery (which divides into right common carotid artery and the right subclavian artery), the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery. These arteries provide blood to both arms and the head.Within the abdomen, the descending aorta branches into the two common iliac arteries; these provide blood to the pelvis and, eventually, the legs.
