Development of thoracic aortic aneurysm: the potential role of morphological features of functional zones

Aneurysm is the most common pathology affecting the aorta. Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have reduced the associated mortality rate to 21.7%. Aneurysm formation involves morphological and functional remodeling of the aortic wall, leading to altered biomechanical properties of the vessel. Along the aorta, distinct functional zones with a high density of sensory receptors have been identified. These receptor zones have a specific anatomical distribution, with most sensory receptors localized in the tunica media of aorta. The vascular wall within these zones undergoes changes in lumen diameter that differ from those observed in other regions of the aorta. The morphological characteristics of these receptor-rich segments determine the unique biomechanical behavior of the vessel. The receptor zones of the aorta topographically correspond to the regions most frequently affected by aneurysm formation.