Arch of Aorta

Definition

Continuation of the ascending aorta

Course

Begins from the left ventricle and behind the manubrium sterni

Runs upwards, bacwards and to the left in front of the trachea

Then passes downwards to the left of the trachea and continuous as descending aorta

Branches

3 branches arise from the upper surface

From right to left :

1. Brachiocephalic artery or trunk

2. Left common carotid artery

3. Left subclavian artery

The brachocephalic artery or trunk is about 5 cm long and passes obliquely upwards, backwards and to the right. at the level of the sternoclavicular joint it divides into the right common carotid artery and the right subclavian artery

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(For the right side upper limb and right side of head one common artery from the arch - Brachio (Brachium = arm) Cephalic (cephalus = head) which later divides into two one for arm and one for head.

For the left side upper limb separate artery from the arch - left subclavian

For the left side of head another separate artery from the arch - left common carotid