Long Aorta

Vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomical terms and ultrasound concepts from the abdominal aorta scanning notes.

Aorta

The main artery carrying blood from the heart; in this context, the abdominal aorta and its segments are examined.

Proximal abdominal aorta

The segment closest to the heart within the abdomen; located near the celiac trunk and SMA.

Left lobe of the liver

A landmark seen on ultrasound used to help locate the aorta in the upper abdomen.

Celiac trunk (celiac axis)

First major branch of the abdominal aorta; gives rise to hepatic, splenic, and left gastric arteries.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA)

Second major branch of the abdominal aorta; supplies the midgut.

Mid abdominal aorta

Segment of the aorta between the celiac trunk/SMA and the bifurcation into iliac arteries.

Distal abdominal aorta

Portion just before the aorta bifurcates into the common iliac arteries.

Coronal bifurcation

The point where the abdominal aorta divides into the common iliac arteries.

Common iliac arteries (iliacs)

The two arteries formed by the distal aorta bifurcation; supply the pelvis and lower limbs.

Time Gain Compensation (TGC)

Ultrasound setting used to adjust image brightness; here used to darken the aorta for visualization.

Near field and far field

Ultrasound concepts describing superficial (near) and deeper (far) regions; depth should be matched for a clear image.

Two inches from the umbilicus (belly button)

A landmark distance used to locate the coronal bifurcation; approximately two inches from the umbilicus.

Freeze frame

Ultrasound function to capture and measure a still image from the live scan.