descending aorta development

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The progression of the descending aorta over time, from its initial formation to the mature structure. The descending aorta is the portion of the aorta in a two-pass circulatory system from the arch of aorta to the point where it divides into the common iliac arteries. In a two-pass circulatory system blood passes twice through the heart to supply the body once. [GOC:bf, GOC:dgh, MA:0002571, UBERON:0001514, Wikipedia:Descending_aorta]

The descending aorta, a major artery arising from the aortic arch, undergoes a complex developmental process that starts during embryonic development and continues postnatally. This process involves precise coordination of multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms, ensuring proper formation and function of this vital blood vessel.

**Early Development:**
- The descending aorta originates from the dorsal aorta, which forms during the fourth week of embryonic development.
- The dorsal aortae, initially two separate vessels, fuse along the midline to form the single descending aorta.
- As development proceeds, the descending aorta elongates and descends through the thorax and abdomen.

**Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms:**
- **Endothelial cells:** These cells form the inner lining of the aorta and are crucial for vessel formation and growth.
- **Smooth muscle cells:** These cells surround the endothelial cells, providing structural support and regulating blood flow.
- **Extracellular matrix:** This complex network of proteins and carbohydrates provides structural integrity and guides cell migration and differentiation.
- **Signaling pathways:** Multiple signaling pathways, such as the Notch and Wnt pathways, regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration during aorta development.

**Differentiation and Maturation:**
- During development, the descending aorta undergoes significant changes in size, structure, and function.
- The aorta wall thickens, and its smooth muscle cells differentiate into different subtypes with specific functions.
- The elastic fibers in the aorta wall increase in number and complexity, enabling the aorta to expand and recoil with each heartbeat.

**Postnatal Development:**
- The descending aorta continues to grow and remodel throughout childhood and adolescence.
- The aorta adapts to the increasing demands of the growing body, ensuring adequate blood flow to all organs and tissues.

**Clinical Significance:**
- Defects in descending aorta development can lead to various cardiovascular diseases, including coarctation of the aorta, aortic aneurysm, and aortic dissection.
- Understanding the complex mechanisms underlying descending aorta development is essential for developing effective treatments for these conditions.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (10)