The aorta is the largest artery in the body that carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to all parts of the body. It has several sections including the aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta. The ascending aorta leaves the heart and curves upwards, while the aortic arch forms a curved shape bridging the ascending and descending sections. The descending aorta is the longest part and runs through the chest and abdomen, branching off to supply other arteries with blood.