Abdominal Aorta: Location, Function & Anatomy

The abdominal aorta is the portion of the aorta that runs through the abdomen. It is the largest artery in the abdomen and supplies oxygen-rich blood to the organs and tissues in the abdomen and pelvis. The abdominal aorta begins at the diaphragm and ends when it divides into the two common iliac arteries. The abdominal aorta is about 15 cm long and is located just anterior to the spine.