Pathophysiology of the Thoracic Aorta

Question 1

The aortic wall is constructed of 3 primary layers:

Answer 1

The aortic wall is constructed of 3 primary layers:
1. the innermost layer, which mediates contact with the blood isthe tunica intima;
2. the middle layer, which provides musculoelastic compliance is the tunica media;
3. theoutermost layer, which provides fibrous structural support is the tunica adventitia

Question 2

Aortic Dissection

Stanford Classification

Question 3

Aortic Dissection

Debakey Classification

Question 4

The principal biologic cause of aneurysm formation in:
1. Ascending aorta
2. Descending Aorta

Answer 4

The principal biologic cause of aneurysm formation in the ascending aorta is attributable to cystic degenerative processes in the elastic media (Figure 2), whereas atherosclerotic changes are primarily responsible for aneurysm formation of the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta.

Question 5

Elastin to collagen composition of the aorta.

Answer 5

On histologic analysis, the ascending aorta is composed of a relatively greater proportion of compliant elastic tissue than the rest of the aortic arch and thoracoabdominal aorta.

Question 6

Elastin to collagen composition of the aorta.

Answer 6

On histologic analysis, the ascending aorta is composed of a relatively greater proportion of compliant elastic tissue than the rest of the aortic arch and thoracoabdominal aorta.