descending aorta /disen″ding/ [L, descendere, to descend; Gk, aerein, to raise] , the main portion of the aorta, consisting of the thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta, which continues from the aortic arch into the trunk of the body. It supplies many structures, including the esophagus, lymph glands, ribs, stomach, liver, spleen, intestines, kidneys, reproductive organs, and, eventually, the lower limbs. See also aorta.
