The ascending aorta is the initial section of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. It begins at the top of the heart, specifically from the left ventricle, and extends upward. This artery is responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. As it ascends, the aorta gives rise to the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle itself. After the ascending aorta, it curves to form the aortic arch, which then branches into other major arteries that deliver blood to the head, neck, and arms.