The aorta is the largest artery in the body, responsible for transporting oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the rest of the body. After the left ventricle contracts, the aortic valve opens, allowing blood to flow into the aorta. The aorta then branches into smaller arteries that distribute blood to various organs and tissues, ensuring they receive the oxygen and nutrients necessary for proper function. The aorta has several sections: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the thoracic aorta, and the abdominal aorta, each supplying blood to different regions of the body.