Aortic arch

Aortic Arch

The aortic arch is a segment of the aorta, the largest artery in the human body. It is a continuation of the ascending aorta and eventually continues as the descending aorta. The aortic arch is a key component of the cardiovascular system, responsible for distributing oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Anatomy

The aortic arch begins at the level of the second thoracic vertebra and ends at the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra. It is located in the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. The aortic arch has three major branches: the brachiocephalic artery, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery. These arteries supply blood to the head, neck, and upper limbs.

Physiology

The aortic arch plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure and blood flow to the upper part of the body. It contains baroreceptors and chemoreceptors that monitor blood pressure and the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, respectively. These receptors send signals to the brain, which in turn regulates the heart rate and the diameter of the blood vessels to maintain homeostasis.

Pathology

Several diseases and conditions can affect the aortic arch, including aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm, and aortic coarctation. These conditions can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart failure, and even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

See also

• Aorta
• Cardiovascular system
• Ascending aorta
• Descending aorta