Biology

Aortic Arch

Aortic Arch

Aortic Arch

Definition

Aortic arch is the curved portion between the ascending and descending portions of the aorta, lying behind the manubrium and giving rise to the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid, and the left subclavian arteries. It is also called arch of aorta.

The brachiocephalic trunk splits to form the right subclavian and the right common carotid arteries, which supply blood to the right arm and the right side of the neck and head. The left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery, the second and third branches off the aortic arch, perform parallel functions on the left side.

Aortic arch is the connection between the ascending and descending aorta, and its central part is formed by the left 4th aortic arch du