Which is the largest blood vessel in the human body?

Concept

Blood vessels are tubular structures that transport blood and are classified mainly as arteries, veins, and capillaries.

A vessel's calibre refers to its internal diameter, or lumen. In the arterial tree, elastic arteries nearest the heart have greater calibre than the smaller arteries and arterioles branching from them.

Application

The aorta arises from the left ventricle and forms the main route for oxygenated blood entering systemic circulation. It is therefore the largest blood vessel in the human body.

Contrast

• Anatomises is a verb related to the study or description of anatomy, not the name of a vessel.

• An atrium is a chamber inside the heart that receives blood.

• Tunica intima is a layer in the wall of a blood vessel.

Cross-check

The aorta is about 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) wide at its broadest point, while its branches divide into progressively smaller arteries and arterioles. This independent size comparison confirms the aorta as the largest vessel.

Result: Aorta.