To better understand coarctation of the aorta, it helps to understand the anatomy of the aorta.

The aorta is the largest arterial blood vessel in the body. It is divided into three main segments:
Aortic arch: originates at the heart and supplies the coronary arteries. Coarctations are generally located in the arch, near where the large artery to the left arm (subclavian artery) branches off.

• Thoracic aorta: provides numerous branches, the intercostal arteries, which supply the chest wall.
• Abdominal aorta: supplies the gut and then terminates in the iliac vessels, which supply the pelvis and lower extremities.