The Arch of Aorta
Definition
Continuation of the ascending aorta.
Extent
Begins behind the manubrium sterni, runs upwards, backwards and to the left in front of the trachea.Then passes downwards to the left of the trachea and is continuous with the descending aorta.
Branches
1. brachiocephalic artery or trunk
2. left common carotid artery
3. left subclavian artery
The brachiocephalic artery or trunk gives rise to the right common carotid artery and the right subclavian artery.
Relations
As shown in the diagram
Postscript : Note that the left subclavian artery and left common carotid arteries arise separately from the arch of aorta
Whereas the right subclavian artery and right common carotid arteries have a common origin from the arch of aorta called Brachiocephalic artery ( Brachium means arm and cephalus means head)
