![A normal aorta and a thoracic aortic aneurysm](https://content.healthwise.net/resources/14.1/en-us/media/medical/hw/h9991869_001.jpg)
An aortic aneurysm is a stretched and bulging area in the wall of the aorta. The aorta is the large artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A thoracic aortic aneurysm happens in the section of the aorta that is in the chest.
Thoracic aortic aneurysms are also known as ascending or descending aortic aneurysms.
Current as of: August 6, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
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