Ligamentum arteriosum

Gray969.png

Ligamentum arteriosum is a small ligament that is the remnant of the ductus arteriosus formed within three weeks after birth. It is a fibrous band of tissue that connects the pulmonary trunk to the aortic arch.

Anatomy

The ligamentum arteriosum is located in the superior mediastinum, a part of the thoracic cavity. It is situated near the bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk and the aortic arch. The ligamentum arteriosum is closely associated with the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve, which loops under the aortic arch and ascends towards the larynx.

Development

During fetal development, the ductus arteriosus is a vital blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the non-functioning fetal lungs. It connects the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta, enabling oxygenated blood from the placenta to circulate throughout the fetus. After birth, the ductus arteriosus normally closes within the first few days of life, transforming into the ligamentum arteriosum.

Clinical Significance

The ligamentum arteriosum can be of clinical importance in certain medical conditions. For instance, in cases of traumatic aortic injury, the ligamentum arteriosum can act as a point of fixation, potentially leading to aortic rupture. Additionally, the proximity of the ligamentum arteriosum to the left recurrent laryngeal nerve means that any enlargement or pathology in this area, such as an aortic aneurysm, can lead to vocal cord paralysis due to nerve compression.

Related Structures

• Ductus arteriosus
• Pulmonary trunk
• Aortic arch
• Recurrent laryngeal nerve
• Vagus nerve

See Also

• Cardiovascular system
• Fetal circulation
• Congenital heart defect