Aorta is the largest artery in the human body. Its starting point is the aortic orifice of the aortic valve and it terminates at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. The main function of the aorta is to transport oxygenated blood to supply all the organs and cells. With advancing age, the structure and hence the function show progressive changes. Various changes in the aortic morphology include the luminal diameter of aorta, whole length of the aorta, thickness, the microstructural components also change, and these include collagen, elastin and smooth muscle cells. In addition, the dimensions of all segments of the aorta increase with age in both sexes. Since age is a major risk factor for degenerative change and diseases affecting the aorta, understanding the detailed anatomy of the aorta may provide essential information concerning the age-associated process of the aorta. Knowledge of the morphological changes in the aorta is also important for future clinical therapies pertaining to aortic disease. Additionally, the information regarding the structural changes with age may be applied for age determination. This review describes the overview of the anatomy of the aorta, age related changes in the morphology of the aorta and aortic diseases.

Mahakkanukrauh P, et al. Anat Cell Biol. 2015 Dec;48(4):275-283. http://dx.doi.org/10.5115/acb.2015.48.4.275

Background This cadaveric study investigated the innervations of the clavicle and clavicular joints (ie, sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints). Methods Twenty cadavers (40 clavicles) were dissected. A skin incision was made to permit exposure of the posterior cervical triangle and infraclavicular fossa. The platysma, sternocleidomastoid, and trapezius muscles were cleaned in order to identify the supraclavicular nerves. Subsequently, the suprascapular and subclavian nerves were localized after removal of the prevertebral layer of the deep cervical fascia. In the infraclavicular region, the pectoralis major and minor muscles were retracted laterally in order to visualize the lateral pectoral nerve. The contribution of all these nerves to the clavicular bone and joints were recorded. Results Along their entire length, all clavicular specimens received contributions from the supraclavicular nerves. The latter innervated the cephalad and ventral aspects of the clavicular bone. The caudal and dorsal aspects of the clavicle were innervated by the subclavian nerve (middle and medial thirds). The lateral pectoral nerve supplied the caudad aspect of the clavicle (middle and lateral thirds). The sternoclavicular joint derived its innervation solely from the supraclavicular nerves whereas the acromioclavicular joint was supplied by the supraclavicular and lateral pectoral nerves. Conclusion The clavicle and clavicular joints are innervated by the subclavian, lateral pectoral, and supraclavicular nerves. Clinical trials are required to determine the relative importance and functional contribution of each nerve.