Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

aortic aneurysm
See 
aneurysm, aortic.
aortic arch
The second section of the aorta fol-
lowing the ascending aorta. As it continues from the
heart, it gives off the brachiocephalic trunk, and the
left common carotid and subclavian arteries. The
brachiocephalic trunk splits to form the right sub-
clavian and the right common carotid arteries,
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which supply blood to the right arm and the right
side of the neck and head. The left common carotid
artery and left subclavian artery, the second and
third branches off the aortic arch, perform parallel
functions on the left side.
aortic insufficiency
Backflow of blood from the
aorta into the left ventricle across a weakened aor-
tic valve. Also known as aortic regurgitation.
aortic regurgitation
See 
aortic insufficiency.
aortic stenosis
Narrowing (stenosis) of the aor-
tic valve, the valve between the left ventricle of the
heart and the aorta. This narrowing impedes the
delivery of blood to the body through the aorta and
makes the heart work harder. The need for surgery
depends on the degree of stenosis. A procedure
called balloon valvuloplasty has been used in some
cases of aortic stenosis.
aortic valve
One of the four valves of the heart.
The aortic valve is positioned at the beginning of the
aorta. It normally permits blood from the left ven-
tricle to flow into the aorta, and prevents blood in
the aorta from returning to the heart. See also 
heart
valve.
aortic valve, bicuspid
An abnormal aortic valve
with only two cusps. See also 
aortic stenosis.