Root of Aorta

Root of Aorta Atlas

• Root of aorta: The root of the aorta refers to the portion of the left ventricular outflow tract that supports the leaflets of the aortic valve. It includes the aortic valve leaflets, sinuses of Valsalva, and other components that allow the forward flow of blood when the valve is open and prevent backflow when it is closed. (1,2)

Aortic Valve

• Aortic valve: The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the ascending aorta. It consists of three semilunar leaflets that open and close to regulate blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. (1,2)
  • Aortic orifice: The aortic orifice is the opening of the aortic valve into the ascending aorta. It is the passage through which blood flows from the left ventricle into the aorta during ventricular systole. (1,2)
  • Right coronary leaflet: The right coronary leaflet is one of the three semilunar leaflets of the aortic valve. It is named based on its proximity to the right coronary. (1,2)
  • Left coronary leaflet: The left coronary leaflet is another semilunar leaflet of the aortic valve. It is named based on its proximity to the left coronary artery. (1,2)
  • Noncoronary leaflet: The noncoronary leaflet is the third semilunar leaflet of the aortic valve. It is called “noncoronary” because it does not directly border any of the coronary arteries. (1,2)
  • Nodules of semilunar leaflets of aortic valve: The nodules of semilunar leaflets, also known as the nodules of Arantius, are thickened nodular structures located at the centre of each zone of apposition where adjacent aortic valve leaflets coapt. They help to maintain proper closure of the valve during diastole. (1,2)
  • Lunules of semilunar leaflets of aortic valve: The lunules of semilunar leaflets refer to the crescent-shaped surfaces of coaptation located peripherally near the commissures of the aortic valve leaflets. (1,2,4)
  • Commissures of semilunar leaflets of aortic valve: The commissures are the points where the aortic valve leaflets meet and coapt. They are located at the highest points of the valvar closure lines. The aortic valve has three commissures formed by the junction of adjacent leaflets. (1,2,3)

Aortic Sinuses

• Aortic sinuses: Aortic sinuses are dilated spaces located behind each leaflet of the aortic valve. Also known as sinuses of Valsalva, they are composed primarily of elastic tissue and serve various functions. There are three aortic sinuses: the right coronary aortic sinus, the left coronary aortic sinus, and the noncoronary aortic sinus. (1,2,3)
  • Right coronary aortic sinus: The right coronary aortic sinus is one of the three sinuses of Valsalva located behind the leaflets of the aortic valve. It is named based on its association with the right coronary artery. The right coronary artery originates from this sinus, providing blood supply to the right side of the heart. (2,4)
  •  Left coronary aortic sinus: The left coronary aortic sinus is another sinus of Valsalva located behind the leaflets of the aortic valve. It is named based on its association with the left coronary artery. The left coronary artery arises from this sinus, supplying blood to the left side of the heart. (2,4)
  • Noncoronary aortic sinus: The noncoronary aortic sinus is the third sinus of Valsalva located behind the leaflets of the aortic valve. It is called “noncoronary” because it does not directly give rise to any coronary artery. This sinus is usually the largest among the three and is not directly associated with coronary arteries. (2,4)

Interleaflet triangles of aortic valve

• Interleaflet triangles of aortic valve: These are the triangles demarcated by the base of the aortic valve leaflets. There are three interleaflet triangles in the aortic valve, corresponding to the areas where adjacent leaflets meet. (2,3)
• Supravalvular ridge of aorta: It forms a circular line joining the peaks of the commissures and marks the beginning of the tubular ascending aorta. The supravalvular ridge plays a role in maintaining the structure and function of the aorta. (3,4,5)

Bibliography

1. Gray H, Lewis W. Angiology. In: Anatomy of the human body. 1918. p. 526–42
2. Faletra FF, Pandian NG, Ho SY. The Cardiac Valves. In: Anatomy of the Heart by Multislice Computed Tomography. Wiley-Blackwell; 2009. p. 55–80.
3. Ho SYen. Anatomy for cardiac electrophysiologists : a practical handbook. Cardiotext Pub; 2012. 195–213 p.
4. Dauber Wolfgang, Feneis Heinz, Feneis Heinz. Heart. In: Pocket atlas of human anatomy : founded by Heinz Feneis. Fifth. Thieme; 2007. p. 222–8.
5. Howard SA, Bateman MG, Laske TG, Iaizzo PA. Detailed anatomical and functional features of the cardiac valves. Handbook of Cardiac Anatomy, Physiology, and Devices, Edition. Third. Minneapolis: Springer International Publishing; 2015. p. 115–135.