To better understand an abdominal aortic aneurysm, it helps to understand the anatomy of the abdomen.

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It is divided into three main segments:

• Aortic arch:
• Originates at the heart
• Supplies the coronary arteries and the head
• Thoracic aorta:
• Supplies the chest wall
• Abdominal aorta:
• Supplies the abdomen
• Splits into the iliac vessels, which supply the pelvis and lower extremities