ascending aorta development

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The progression of the ascending aorta over time, from its initial formation to the mature structure. The ascending aorta is the portion of the aorta in a two-pass circulatory system that lies between the heart and the arch of aorta. In a two-pass circulatory system blood passes twice through the heart to supply the body once. [GOC:bf, GOC:dgh, MA:0002570, UBERON:0001496, Wikipedia:Ascending_aorta]

The ascending aorta, the first portion of the aorta, emerges from the left ventricle and arches superiorly before descending into the chest. Its development is a complex process orchestrated by a precise interplay of genetic and environmental factors, involving the coordinated activities of various cell types.

The initial formation of the ascending aorta can be traced back to the early embryonic stage, around the third week of gestation. During this time, the heart tube, a simple structure formed from the fusion of two heart primordia, begins to differentiate into distinct chambers, including the left ventricle. Simultaneously, the aortic arch, a primitive precursor to the aorta, develops as a series of paired vessels that will eventually fuse to form the definitive aorta.

As the embryo develops, the ascending aorta begins to take shape from the dorsal part of the aortic arch, growing into a distinct structure that connects the left ventricle to the aortic arch. The process involves complex morphogenetic events including vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Vasculogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from angioblasts (precursor cells), plays a crucial role in the early stages of ascending aorta development. Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, is responsible for subsequent expansion and refinement of the aortic structure.

Throughout the process, a delicate balance between proliferation, migration, and differentiation of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells is maintained. This balance is tightly regulated by a multitude of signaling pathways, including the Notch, Wnt, and VEGF pathways. These pathways influence cell fate decisions, promote vessel formation, and control the expression of genes crucial for normal aortic development.

The ascending aorta is also susceptible to various congenital defects, including coarctation of the aorta and aortic valve stenosis. These conditions often arise from disruptions in the complex signaling pathways that govern aortic development, leading to abnormal vessel formation and function.

In summary, the development of the ascending aorta is a complex and highly orchestrated process involving intricate interactions between various cell types and signaling pathways. Proper regulation of these processes is essential for the formation of a functional ascending aorta, ensuring adequate blood flow to the body.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (10)