Aortic sinus
An aortic sinus, also known as a sinus of Valsalva, is one of the anatomic dilations of the ascending aorta, which occurs just above the aortic valve. These widenings are between the wall of the aorta and each of the three cusps of the aortic valve. Structure. There are generally three aortic sinuses, one anterior and two posterior sinuses. These give rise to coronary arteries: The aortic sinuses are typically more prominent than the pulmonary sinuses. Clinical significance. If the coronary arteries arise from the wrong aortic sinuses, this can put the heart's ventricles at risk of  ischaemia. This is often only discovered when a heart attack has already occurred, usually before the age of 20 and during exercise. Names. Each aortic sinus can also be referred to as the sinus of Valsalva, the sinus of Morgagni, the sinus of Mehta, the sinus of Otto, or Petit's sinus.