arch of aorta
ArteriesThoraxFMA3768
Nomenclature
arch of aorta
arcus aortae (Latin)
arco aortico (Italian)
Descriptionentry
Curved segment of the aorta in the superior mediastinum, in front of the trachea.
Functionentry
Distributes blood to the head, neck and upper limbs through its three branches.
Blood supplyentry
Vasa vasorum.
Clinical notes
Contains the baroreceptors of the aortic sinus; related to the left recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Part of
Related structures
Model