The term 'MAJOR BODY ARTERIES' refers to the aortas, which are the largest arteries in the human body. They are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. The aortas are divided into two sections: the ascending aorta and the descending aorta. The ascending aorta is located near the heart and is responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. The descending aorta is located near the abdomen and is responsible for carrying oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.