The thoracic aorta has a curved shape that faces forward, and has small branches.

In front of the thoracic aorta lies the root of the left lung, the pericardium, the esophagus, and the diaphragm.

The esophagus, which is covered by a nerve plexus lies to the right of the descending thoracic aorta.

Lower, the esophagus passes in front of the aorta, and ultimately is situated on the left.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 598 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)