Aortic Sinuses

sinus aortae

The aortic sinuses (sinuses of Valsalva) are three small bulges in the wall of the aorta just above the aortic valve, one behind each cusp. The right and left coronary arteries arise from the right and left sinuses, so the coronaries fill when the valve closes.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Supply

Location	Root of the ascending aorta, immediately above the aortic valve cusps
Parts	Right coronary sinus Left coronary sinus Posterior (non-coronary) sinus Sinotubular junction
Nerve Supply	Cardiac plexus
Blood Supply	Vasa vasorum of the aortic root
Venous drainage	Drain with the aortic wall veins
Lymphatic drainage	Mediastinal nodes

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Give origin to the coronary arteries and help the valve cusps close smoothly by creating eddies behind them.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Dilatation of the aortic root, as in Marfan syndrome or with a bicuspid valve, is measured at the sinuses on echocardiography and guides timing of surgery. A ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm causes sudden heart failure. Anomalous origin of a coronary artery from the wrong sinus is a known cause of sudden death in young athletes.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Aortic Root Dilatation

Enlargement of the sinuses that may lead to aortic regurgitation or dissection, common in Marfan syndrome.

Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm

Thinning and bulging of one sinus that can rupture into a heart chamber.

Explore

More in Chest

Browse all of Chest →