Vessel
Aortic arch
The curved aortic segment supplying the head and upper limbs
High-yield
A shared origin of the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries is a common variant; it is best described directly rather than inferred from a nickname.
Overview
The arch passes upward, backward and leftward through the superior mediastinum, above the left main bronchus. Its usual three branches are the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid and left subclavian arteries. Common alternative branching arrangements also occur.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Continuation of the ascending aorta near the upper sternal region
- Course
- Curves leftward above the left lung root and turns into the descending aorta near the T4–T5 region
- Branches
- Usually brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid and left subclavian arteries, with frequent variants
- Supplies
- Head, neck and upper limbs through its major branches
- Drains to
- Continues as the descending thoracic aorta
Mnemonic
One right-sided trunk, then two left-sided branches: carotid before subclavian.
Clinical correlation
Arch disease can affect branch perfusion or nearby structures. Its precise branching pattern matters when vascular imaging or intervention is planned.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the aortic arch originate?
The aortic arch arises from the continuation of the ascending aorta near the upper sternal region.
What does the aortic arch supply?
The aortic arch supplies the head, neck and upper limbs through its major branches.
Where does the aortic arch drain to?
The aortic arch drains to the continues as the descending thoracic aorta.
What are the branches of the aortic arch?
Usually brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid and left subclavian arteries, with frequent variants.