Ligament
Ligamentum arteriosum
The postnatal remnant of the fetal ductal connection
High-yield
Before closure, the ductus connects pulmonary arterial and aortic flow; the ligament no longer carries that fetal shunt.
Overview
The ligamentum arteriosum connects the left pulmonary arterial region with the aortic isthmus, just beyond the left subclavian origin. It remains after anatomical closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve loops beneath the arch close to this attachment.
Reference facts
- Attachments
- Pulmonary arterial region near the left branch to the underside of the aortic isthmus
- Function
- Residual attachment after ductal closure; it is no longer an open blood-flow pathway
- Clinical point
- Marks a region relevant to aortic trauma and the course of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve
Clinical correlation
The aortic isthmus is a frequent site of blunt aortic injury, with several mechanical factors involved. The nearby recurrent laryngeal nerve can also be affected by disease or procedures in this region.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the ligamentum arteriosum attach?
The ligamentum arteriosum attaches pulmonary arterial region near the left branch to the underside of the aortic isthmus.
What does the ligamentum arteriosum do?
Residual attachment after ductal closure; it is no longer an open blood-flow pathway.
Why does the ligamentum arteriosum matter clinically?
Marks a region relevant to aortic trauma and the course of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve.